The Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) is a parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and nearby islands, northeastern Australia and the Maluku Islands (Moluccas).

They are not the easiest locations to visit on miles but often the thrill of the chase for that perfect photo can lead you there.  Could anything be more exciting than the brilliant ruby red and deep sapphire blue of the female Eclectus and the dazzling emerald green of the male peeking through the trees in the rainforest?  My preferred location to see Eclectus parrots is in West Papua just because it is cheaper to get to with miles for Aussies at least and you can travel independently, hiring local guides to help you find the birds.

Female Eclectus Parrot

Male Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrots can be found in roughly the same habitat as the Palm Cockatoo which I blogged about yesterday.

Here’s a great video with a glimpse into the life of the Eclectus Parrots!  How many women will see this and wish they were a female Ekkie?  But then again the males are rather naughty too!