Solomon Eclectus Parrot (Everything You Need to Know)

Last Updated on July 16, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Solomon Electus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis) also known as the Solomon Island Eclectus parrot and Solomonensis Electus parrot is the most common subspecies of Eclectus found in captivity in the United States.

Solomon Island Eclectus Parrots are named after their origin, which is Solomon Island. These birds are popular pets because of their beauty and great qualities.

Although difficult to locate, the Solomon can easily be identified once it is located. Believe me, they cannot be overlooked! In Australian aviaries, there is a limited number of pure Solomon Island Eclectus.

In the United States, they are both small in size and weight, as well as very delicate and aesthetically pleasing. Aviculture in Europe keeps a very small number of these birds.

According to the extent of forest clearance in the habitat region, their status in the wild varies from common to uncommon. For more information, please continue reading.

Origin and History of Solomon Eclectus Parrot

The Solomon Island Eclectus was first described in the scientific literature by Tothschild and Hartert in 1901.

These parrots have extensive distribution in the wild and are found throughout Bismarck Archiplego (a group of islands off the northeastern coast of New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean), the Admirality Archiplegom, and throughout the Solomon Island group.

Physical Appearance

The wild distribution of this subspecies corresponds to a wide variation in its size and length. Across geographical areas, there is a marked difference in size between western (island) and eastern (island) birds.

The western birds are comparable to the Red-sided Eclectus while the eastern birds are much smaller. In terms of the size of the Eclectus subspecies, Solomon Island Eclectus is one of the smallest. It is particularly evident in captive-bred animals.

Male

Male Solomon Eclectus wingspan is 230 to 258mm, and they weigh between 13.8 and 15.7 ounces (390 to 445 grams). Compared to the Red-sided Eclectus, the male is smaller and shorter, with wing tips almost reaching the tail when viewed from a perch.

The overall color of the body is green with a yellowish hue, giving it a luminous appearance. In its upper wing cover, this yellowish hue can be seen more clearly. T

here is a strong suffusion of blue on the upper side of the tail, and there is a pale yellow band around the edge of the tail. Occasionally, the tail barring is more whitish in some specimens.

Unlike other Eclectus subspecies, the Solomon Island Eclectus has an elongated and wider red oval patch along the sides of its body where its wings fold.

Beginning at the bend of the wing, the red continues down the body for approximately 10 cm, until it reaches the thigh. The red coloration extends beneath the wings and extends into the underwing coverts as well.

This subspecies can be identified by the yellow color of its upper mandible as opposed to orange. Adult cocks have a very reddish iris ring on the outer corner of their eyes.

Hen

The female has a wing length of 218-246mm and weighs 13.8 – 15.7 ounces (390 – 445 grams). As a result of their rounded heads and short tails, hens appear round. As opposed to the Red-sided Eclectus, this subspecies has a much lighter red color.

It has a well-defined breast area similar to that of a Red-sided Eclectus, but its breast colors differ. Typically, Red-sided Eclectus hens have bright blue breast and mantle feathers.

However, Solomon Island Eclectus hens have a light purple coloration to their blue breasts. There is a thin line of royal blue on the barbs of Solomon Island Eclectus hens, flanked by thin lines of mauve. There is also a grey-black appearance to its barbules.

The result is a blue breast that has a light purple hue. The Solomon Island Eclectus hen’s primary coverts are a paler shade of blue, and the outer edges of each primary feather also display this hue. There is a light red color on the undertail cover.

The tail measures 8.9-10.8 centimeters in length. A dark red tail feather is topped with a lighter red feather. The eye ring of the hen is wider than that of the Red-sided Eclectus. Outer iris rings are straw yellow.

Personality

Solomon Eclectus Parrots are not only beautiful, but they are also intelligent birds. This Eclectus Parrot is considered to be one of the top three parrots capable of vocalizing.

It is evident that they possess clear and strong vocabularies as well as a clear and clear manner of speaking. The ability to mimic words, sentences, and even songs can be acquired with minimal training.

However, they are capable of wildness if not trained properly. A Solomon Eclectus Parrot, when absorbed in play, has often been described as a “feathered monkey”. If they are not properly trained, they can be very wild.

 It is an extraordinary bird that is ideal for keeping as a pet. From a very young age, infants are capable of exhibiting cognitive behavior if they are properly taught.

Because of their extremely inquisitive nature, the Solomon Eclectus Parrot is capable of communicating with humans.

Breeding

Smaller Solomon Island subspecies are able to reproduce at a younger age than larger subspecies. Generally, Solomon Island Eclectus reproduces between the ages of 18 months and two years.

The Eclectus breeds well in a vertical nest box measuring approximately 18″ x 18″ x 24”. The female may spend most of her time inside the box. Pine shavings are an excellent material for nesting.

Breeding cages should be as large as possible, but they should not be smaller than 3′ x 3′ x 6′. The exact Macaw hand-rearing formula will be effective in raising Eclectus.

Males and females can be distinguished at a very early age by the color of their own, which is black in females and gray in males.

About 2-3 weeks after hatching, red and green feathers will appear on the head and tail, indicating the bird’s sex. It is very important to handle Solomon Eclectus chicks very gently.

Diet

Solomon Eclectus parrots eat mostly fruits, like pomegranates and papayas, figs, flowers, leaf buds, and seeds. Some ecologists say they eat 80% fruit in the wild, but they’re not obligate frugivores.

Since their digestive tracts are longer than usual, they require a diet high in fiber. Furthermore, they require a diet that contains high amounts of beta-carotene and plant proteins.

Furthermore, their diet should be relatively low in fat – experts suggest a daily intake of 6% dm and 12% total during periods of growth and reproduction.

Among the fruits they should consume are bananas, mangos, paw paws, passionfruits, rockmelons, watermelons, berries, pomegranates, and kiwifruits, but fewer apples, pears, and oranges.

It is best to rotate tropical fruits that are fresh, organic, and available during the season, although thawed frozen fruits can also be used.

As an avian vet, it is my recommendation that a formula consisting of 80 percent fruit and vegetables, 15 percent pelleted food, and 5 percent bird seeds be used.

Caring for Solomon Eclectus Parrot

The Solomon Eclectus parrot is one of the most intelligent, active, and playful pet birds available. Their mental and physical needs are very high. The large canopies in the wild provide physical stimulation, while the flock itself provides mental stimulation.

So, I recommend giving them enough play time both inside and outside the cage. Participating in playtime provides emotional stimulation. You can provide perches and toys.

In addition, arrange for sun baths and water baths to mimic the natural environment of the animal. The most important thing is to maintain a regular routine for them. I was surprised to discover how conservative they are when it comes to their daily routine.

Make sure to follow the daily routine for playtime and feeding. In the absence of physical and mental stimulation, they may become stressed.

In turn, this may result in stress-related disorders such as Chlamydophilosis, psychological disorders, and hormonal disorders.

Common health problems

Disorders and diseases that are common among Solomon Eclectus parrots are:

• Infertility and female aggression
• Clostridium infection
• Feather picking
• Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
• Polyoma virus infection
• Psittacosis – Chlamydophilia (Chlamydia) infection
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Proventricular dilation disease
• Bacterial infections
• Candida (yeast) infections
• Heavy metal poisoning

Good diet, nutrition, and regular health care can prevent many of the common health problems associated with Eclectus. Regular veterinary examinations (annually) can enhance your relationship with your bird, as well as keep it in excellent health.

Lifespan

They live between 20 and 30 years in captivity, but up to 50 years in the wild. Although scientists are not certain how long the Eclectus lives in captivity as well as in the wild, they believe it to be longer in the wild than in captivity.

From Where You Can Get a Soloman Eclectus Parrot

The Solomon Eclectus parrot is the most common Electus subspecies pet in the United States. You can easily purchase one from online stores like birdsnow and birdbreeders. It is a very expensive bird, and according to the listings on these websites, the price ranges from $2000-$5000.

Reference:

Marshall, Rob, and Ian Ward. A guide to Eclectus Parrots as pet and aviary birds. ABK Publications, 2004.

Nogare, Mary. “Treasure of the Solomons… Solomon Islands Eclectus Parrots.” AFA Watchbird 28.1: 56-63.