Sub Species Question

[Endi]

I'm curious, is there a huge difference between the different sub species of eclectus? From what I'm reading here on the forums, it sounds like the Solomon Islands are the most common. I tried looking it up but, visually, they don't seem that different. Is there something about personality, habits or size that won't come through in pictures?

 

[EAI]

I believe Red-Sided are the largest, or larger in comparison to the Solomon Eclectus. Red-Sided are also the 2nd most common.

Solomon's are called more a family pet because they're more forgiving, this of course, is different for each one. I'll find a link that is quite helpful.

 

[EAI]

Identification of Subspecies of the Eclectus Parrot - Graham Taylor (Australia)

subspeciesID

 

[Kinny]

There are 3 commonly domestically kept Eclectus subspecies. Vosmaeri, Red-sided and Solomon Island. Vosmaeri are the largest of the 3 and naturally more aggressive. They also have different colours/body shapes to the other subspecies. Red-sided are the 2nd largest and I've found them to be, in general, the most docile. Solomon Island are the smallest and have almost exactly the same colouring as the Red-sided. Solomon Island also have a tendency to be 'sweet' natured.

Hope that helps

 

[RavensGryf]

Sadly, it is common these days to find the subspecies mixed. Many of the "backyard" breeders are probably unaware of any different subspecies, and just sell "Eclectus". Though the males look much more similar and can look identical to the untrained eye, sometimes I see a female where it's evident they're part Vos, but clearly not pure because of the tail color.
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For about 6 years (until about 3 years ago) I had a pure-blooded Grand Eclectus female. Her name was Gryffin. She was from Laurella Desborough, one of the well known 'pioneers' of Eclectus breeding in America. A professional and very responsible breeder, she told me that Gryffin would not be "fully" ready to go until 6 months old. She waited until she was not 'just barely' weaned, but enough past weaning that she was a good weight, and fledging and getting well socialized with the other birds first.

Laurella told me when I was corresponding with her as Gryffin was being weaned, that she has a "very STEADY temperament". This was apparently a trait from her parents. It was not until later when Gryffin was mature that I knew exactly what she meant by steady....

This adult FEMALE Eclectus had NEVER bitten me hard. Only a very few times had she ever bit me, and never ever drew blood. I cannot say that about ANY other parrot I've had or currently have. She was very gentle and "easy". As is typical, she didn't like a lot of hands on her, but nonetheless would tolerate me holding her close or putting on her harness. I won't get into why I no longer have her (Laurella agreed to take her back in), but I think back and say wow, what a bird that was. Not all females are overtly hormonal and nasty after maturity! I'm not sure how unusual that was though, or how Grands normally are.
Last I heard a few years ago, she was looking for a pure Grand male breeder but was having a hard time finding one since they're rare (since Gryffin's dad had died from an accident) and she only had that one pair.

Anyway... Memories I remember I was originally looking for a Vos but she didn't have any then.

 

[Endi]

Ok cool, that clears that up for me pretty well, actually. Those links are great, EAI. Thanks everyone!