Eclectus Parrot (male), Adelaide Zoo

Australia has many beautiful parrots. One of the more intriguing – and beautiful – would have to be the Eclectus Parrot, shown in the photos on this post. This is a species I have yet to see in the natural environment which is not surprising seeing it is found in remote locations in far north Queensland, a state I am yet to visit.

The beautiful plumage on this large parrot is interesting because the male (shown above) is not as outstanding as the female (see below). This is unusual in the bird kingdom because most male birds are more colourful than females, but only where there is dimorphism. This means that the male and female plumage is different. Of course, many species display no dimorphism; male and female are identical.

Forget about the scientific explanations: I think the male looks rather neat in green. They both look stunning with such pure and startling colours.

I must attempt to get to northern Queensland soon as see them “at home.”

Further reading:

• Parrots -more articles from the archives of this site
• Eclectus Parrots at Adelaide Zoo

Eclectus Parrot (male), Adelaide Zoo

Eclectus Parrot (male), Adelaide Zoo

Eclectus Parrot (female) Adelaide Zoo