How Long Do Eclectus Parrots Live?

Eclectic parrots are native to the rainforests of the Solomon Islands, Moluccas, New Guinea and northeastern Australia (eclectic fish) are striking by the striking difference in plumage color between males and females. Males are emerald green, while females are crimson and blue.

As we answer the question of how long eclectic parrots live, read on to find out the life expectancy of these popular and colorful birds.

Sources show wide variation in average lifespan data for eclectic parrots, both in the wild and in captivity. Eclectic parrots kept as pets have a maximum life expectancy of 30 years, while in the wild they are thought to live 50 years or more.

The oldest captive Eclectic parrot on record reached 28.5 years at the San Diego Zoo, although it is believed that the maximum life expectancy of these stunning birds kept as pets may actually be several years longer, up to 30 years old about.

Contrary to the typical situation that captive birds live longer than wild birds, eclectic parrots living in their natural habitat seem to fare better than those kept as pets. While solid evidence is somewhat lacking, it is strongly believed that free-ranging Eclectic parrots may reach their 40s or even 50s.

If you’re interested in finding out why this is the case, read on as we look at factors that may affect the lifespan of eclectic parrots and explore whether male and female parrots, despite their vastly different appearance, have the same average life expectancy.

Eclectic parrots can live up to fifty years in the wild

How Long Do Eclectic Parrots Live as Pets?

In the wild, the typical lifespan of an Eclectic parrot is significantly shorter than that of free-ranging birds of the same species. While Eclectic parrots in captivity are believed to live up to 30 years or so, the oldest individual bird on record reached 28.5 years.

How Long Do Eclectic Parrots Live in the Wild?

Unlike parrots, Eclectic parrots live longer in the wild than in captivity. People living in the wild are believed to live an average of 40 to 50 years, although some experts estimate their maximum life expectancy to be 70 or more.

There is no definitive information on the lifespan of the nine different subspecies of the Eclectic parrot, including the Zomba Eclectic parrot (Eclectic Chicken), Moluccas Eclectic Parrot (Eclectus roratus roratus/vosmaeri) and the Tanimbar Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus riedeli).

A pair of Solomon Island Eclectic parrots (Eclectus roratus solomonensis)

How Do Eclectic Parrots Survive?

One theory to explain eclectic parrots’ longevity in the wild has to do with their diet and unique body anatomy.

Eclectic parrots have a much longer digestive tract than many other parrot species, which allows them to digest food thoroughly, absorbing higher concentrations of fiber and more nutrients efficiently than many other bird species.

In the wild, Eclectic parrots protect themselves by living and foraging in small groups and roosting overnight in larger groups. This herd mentality insulates them from external threats, as they are alerted to the presence of predators by birds at the edge of their habitat.

Unlike most other parrots, Eclectic parrots are actually thought to live longer in the wild

How Do Most Eclectic Parrots Die?

Eclectic parrots in captivity are notorious for being stressed, especially when exposed to new environments, situations and even new toys. Noise from children, vehicles, and animals is also very likely to cause intense stress, responses to which include hair pulling, self-mutilation, and other destructive behaviors.

In the wild, female Eclectus parrots are particularly aggressive and territorial, and are known to protect their nests from other females, remaining in the nest for more than 11 months of the year and actively fending off any intruders, even poised to Fight to the death to defend your territory.

Studies have shown that some wild female Eclectus parrots tend to kill male chicks shortly after hatching, although there is no evidence that this happens in captive birds.

Female Eclectic Parrot on the ground

What is the life cycle of an eclectic parrot?

In the wild, a female Eclectus parrot lays two eggs in an empty nest, which then hatch for 28 to 30 days. In captivity, the incubation period is 26 to 30 days. Upon hatching, the sexes cannot be distinguished, but after about a month, distinctive male (green) and female (scarlet) needle feathers begin to develop.

Chicks develop their feathers between 11 and 12 weeks. Sexual maturity is reached between 18 months and 3 years of age, and the first successful breeding is usually between 4 and 6 years of age.

What are the natural enemies of eclectic parrots?

The main predators of the Eclectic parrot include opossums, birds of prey (especially rufous owls, hawks, and peregrine falcons), and dingoes.

Humans also pose a threat to the survival of species in the wild, with trapping and hunting for the pet trade having a major impact on population numbers

Eclectic parrot perched on a branch

How big was the oldest Eclectic parrot?

The San Diego Zoo’s oldest captive Eclectic parrot lived to be 28.5 years old, sources said. Anecdotal reports of birds past this age exist, and wild Eclectic parrots are believed to live longer, although there are no reliable records of individual birds to support this.

How Long Can Eclectic Parrots Live Without Food?

Eclectic parrots need to eat about 20% of their body weight per day to stay healthy, and when kept as pets, 2 to 3 feedings per day are recommended. Parrots can go without food for about 48 hours, but this can make them very ill.

In the wild, Eclectic parrots forage most of the day, beginning shortly after sunrise, feeding on fresh, juicy fruit and flowers. They can only go without food for short periods of time, and if nearby food sources are scarce, they will expand their range to find their favorite food.

Close-up of a female Eclectic parrot on a branch

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Are Eclectic Parrots Endangered?

The Eclectic parrot is ranked as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, although populations are threatened in some areas due to illegal trapping for the exotic pet trade.

How do you know the age of an Eclectus parrot?

After the juvenile stage, it is impossible to accurately determine the age of Eclectus parrots by sight alone. The beak of juveniles is light gray and turns black as adults.

Do male or female Eclectic parrots live longer?

There are no data or observations regarding male or female ecclesiastical parrots living longer. Both males and females live up to 30 years in captivity and much longer in the wild.

Do older Eclectic parrots sleep more?

On average, adult Eclectic parrots need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Young parrot chicks and older birds may require up to 14 hours of rest per day, including regular naps during the day.