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Eclectus roratus
Eclectus are unusual in the parrot family for their extreme sexual dimorphism. The male is bright emerald green and the female is bright red with purple/blue. . Unlike other parrot species, eclectus parrots are polygynandrous. This means that females may mate with multiple male suitors and males may travel from nesting site to nesting site (tree hollows) to mate with multiple females. This unique breeding strategy may explain the pronounced sexual dimorphism of the eclectus, as it is the female which must remain conspicuous at the entry to the nest hole, (in order to advertise her presence at her hollow to males and rival females), but well hidden when in the depths of the nest, because the red color hides her well in the darkness. The male is primarily a brilliant green color, which offers camouflage amongst the trees whilst foraging. However, the plumage of both sexes appears spectacular when viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum, an ability which predators such as hawks and owls lack. As pets they can learn to talk and live up to 30 years.
Native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and nearby islands, northeastern Australia and the Maluku Islands (Moluccas). These happy couple lives in Pairi Daiza, Belgium, where in speial the male loves to mingle with humans.
Spotted on Aug 31, 2014
Submitted on Oct 19, 2014
2 Comments
Thanks hernandezwolf90, he is a very happy male and you can tell in his face on that picture, right?
Love the last one!