The Sumba eclectus, or Cornelia's eclectus is a parrot species which is native to Sumba. Also larger than the Moluccan eclectus, the male is a paler shade of green overall and has a bluer tail. The female has an all red plumage, except for the primaries which are a dark royal blue, and can be differentiated from the Tanimbar eclectus by the lack of yellow to her tail.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Sumba, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and hill forests. It frequents forest edges, gallery forests along rivers, and sometimes fruiting trees in mixed agroforestry and village gardens. Birds often move between forest blocks to exploit seasonal fruiting, and will visit plantations when native fruits are scarce. Nesting relies on tall emergent trees with suitable cavities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Sumba eclectus, also called Cornelia's eclectus, is a distinct island form of the eclectus parrot found only on Sumba, Indonesia. Males are a paler green than nearby island forms and show a bluish wash to the tail; females are strikingly crimson with royal-blue primaries and lack any yellow on the tail. Like other eclectus, it shows extreme sexual dimorphism, with the male’s bill orange-yellow and the female’s bill black. It depends on large tree hollows for nesting, making it sensitive to forest loss and logging of mature trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, purposeful flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally in loose flocks at fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs nest in large tree cavities and may reuse sites across seasons. The male often provision-feeds the incubating female at the nest. Territorial around nest trees but tolerant at feeding sites when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing squawks and screeches that carry over long distances. Contact calls are sharp and repeated; at roosts they give a mix of harsh caws and whistles.
