Usually found in the canopies of lowland tropical rainforests of the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and northeastern Australia, the males and females of this bird were originally thought to be two separate species – the Eclectus Parrot!
While there are several subspecies of these birds, each slightly different in size and plumage, the overall colors are largely the same. Male Eclectus Parrots are green with an orange beak, while females are red with a purple/blue abdomen and a black beak. They weigh between 10 and 16 ounces (280-450 grams) with a wingspan of 20 inches (50 cm).
The bright colors may seem like they’d stand out, but they actually provide excellent camouflage. Though the females of many bird species are usually duller in color to help them hide from potential predators, the dark reds and blues of the female eclectus parrots blend in quite well with the tree hollows they nest in.
Like other parrots, eclectus have zygodactyl feet, meaning they have two toes facing forward and two toes facing backward. This gives them a firm grip for perching as well as allowing them to manipulate food. Eclectus parrots feed on fruits, nuts, flowers nectar and seeds.
Art By Breah 