There are only a few Biaki Eclectus parrots that were imported into the US in the early 1990s. They are not commonly available and little is known of their breeding habits. Although they are likely to be similar to those of the nominate form – the red-sided eclectus.
The Biaki Eclectus parrot is often described in some literature as being a controversial subspecies. Experts working with both the Biaki and Solomon Islands Eclectus, however, agree there is a definable difference.
They both are similar is size.
Description:
Adult Biak Red-sided Eclectus Parrots are about 13.5 inches (between 32 and 35 centimeters) in length. Their wingspan is about 9 inches (215 – 245 millimeters). They average 375 –425 gm in weight.
The Male Eclectus:
The male Biak Red-sided Eclectus Parrot is green over most of his body; except the underwings and sides under the wing, which are red. The upper side of the male’s tail is green and tip of the tail feathers are yellow.
The underside of the tail is black with a defined yellowish pale edging to the underside of its tail (¼ inch).. The iris is a reddish orange.
Identification of the males in the various subspecies is much more difficult to determine. The usual method being differences in the size of the bird and the shade of green in their plumage.
The Female Eclectus:
The Biaki Red-sided hen is similar to the nominate, adult red-sided hen except the red coloring on the neck and bib is brighter, and she is much smaller than the red-sided hen.
The female Biak Red-sided Eclectus Parrots are red with blue under wing coverts. Their primary coverts are blue with a green edge.
Her tail is lighter reddish-orange underneath with a defined yellowish pale edging to the underside of its tail (¼ inch).
Their irides (= plural of iris) are a light, yellow-white color.
The females have red heads and chests. Her shiny black beak appears slightly smaller in proportion to her head. Her feathers are held very tightly to the body in comparison to many of the larger subspecies.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
- Pet parrots generally present challenges, such as excessive chewing – especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of “disciplining us” once they are out of the “baby stage” and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a “toy” that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable. Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
- Web Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit the following website to learn more about parrot behavior and training.
Breeding
Not common and unknown in the United States.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Eclectus roratus biaki aka Lorius roratus biaki… English: Biak Red-sided Eclectus Parrot … Dutch: Biak Edelpapegaai … German: Biak Edelpapagei … French: Perroquet eclectus d’iles Biak
Distribution: Biak Island, the largest of the Schouten Islands, off the northern coast of West Papua (the Indonesian part of New Guinea) at the entrance to Cenderawasih (Geelvink) Bay (part of Maluku Islands).
More Eclectus Information
- Eclectus Information (Personality, Care, Diet)
- Eclectus Species
- Eclectus Sub-species Identification
- Talking Ability (compared to other species)
- Common Diseases / Conditions of the Eclectus Parrot
- Eclectus Foods
- Purchasing an Eclectus Parrot
- Cages / Flights – Recommendations / Set Up Ideas
