Eclectus Parrot - Biak Red Sided

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Scientific Name: Eclectus roratus biaki

Basic Info

At maturity, Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots measure about 13.5 inches (between 32 and 35 centimeters) in length and are one of the smaller Eclectus subspecies. Usually, the wingspan is about nine inches (215 - 245 millimeters). The feathering of Eclectus Parrots has a strange texture, and has been described as "hair-like". Male Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots have light yellowish-green feathering over the majority of their bodies. Their heads and chests are usually scarlet in color. Their primary wing coverts and primary flight feathers are a dark blue color, edged in green. The upper side of the Biak Red Sided Eclectus male's tail is green and the tips of the feathers have yellow edging. The underside of the tail is black, edged with a band of pale yellow. The iris is a reddish orange color. Female Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots have red plumage with dark blue under wing coverts. They also have a band running to the nape that is dark blue. Females have dark blue, green-edged primary coverts and primary flight feathers like the male, as well. The tips of their red tails have pale edging, and their irises are a light, yellow-white color. Female Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots tend to have bright, scarlet heads with a duller, deeper, maroon shading over their backs. Their chests are also scarlet.

Health

Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots are often prone to feather plucking. To prevent this, allow the birds plenty of items to chew and try to prevent them from becoming bored. Feather plucking may also be brought on by enclosures that are too small, stress, bullying, dietary changes, or climatic changes. Some Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots will only pluck at certain times of the year. Eclectus Parrots have a longer digestive tract than any other parrot, and they need more fresh veggies and fruits than most parrots. Breeding Generally, Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots breed year round. They reach sexual maturity between two and three years of age. When she is about to breed, the female Eclectus may become quite aggressive, even toward her handler. Before laying, the female will generally spend a lot of time fussing in her nest box to arrange it suitably. She will usually lay two eggs. Because female Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots will often sit on their eggs awkwardly or forcefully and accidentally break them, a slanted or L shaped nesting box is recommended so the birds have room to position themselves better. The female Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrot will incubate her eggs for about four weeks before they hatch. The fledglings will develop sexually dimorphic coloration by the time they are about 28 days old. Usually, they will leave the nest by 75 days of age.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrot is one of the most dubious Eclectus subspecies! This is due to their rather variable coloring, but there is no denying that proponents for these parrots adore them for valid reasons! With their intensely shaded coloring and their lovely personalities, Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots are truly incredible birds. In the wild, Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots nest high in the forest canopy. Pairs will usually predominate in a group, with other parrots in the group helping the dominant pair to raise their young. In captivity, they tend to do well when kept in pairs. Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots may be fed plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with a good basic pellet diet or seed mix. The majority of the seeds should be soaked to make them softer for the parrots. Plenty of branches or wood should be provided for your Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots to chew. When kept outdoors, aviaries may usually be suspended and should have a sheltered area. Usually, one large enclosure will suffice for a pair. These birds are quite loud, but they can make good pets for people who will tolerate the noise. One trick to make your birds be a bit quieter can be to turn on a radio for them, to keep them from providing their own noise! Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots can be taught to imitate noises and talk quite well. They need plenty of sunlight and enjoy being bathed by rain! Generally, hand raised parrots make much better, healthier pets than will wild-caught birds.

Origin

Biak Island

History

Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrots are native to the island of Biak, located in the Solomon Islands. The Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrot was the most recent subspecies of Eclectus parrot recognized. It was, in fact, grouped with other subspecies until 1932. In 1932, Hartert argued that the Biak Red Sided Eclectus Parrot was in fact a separate subspecies from the Grand Eclectus. This fact may still be disputed by some today. Eclectus Parrot pairs are often mistaken for two birds of different species, since their coloration is so vastly different.

Common Foods

N/A