How many different types of eclectus' are there?

I know of Solomon Island, Red Sided and VOS. Anything else?

What are the personality differences between these?

How would you identify each?

None of the above is the original question I was going to ask. I need to hear the answers before I ask.

The Solomon Island, Red Sided and VOS are the most common in the US. The Grand Eclectus, which looks like a mini Vos, can also be found.

• Red-sided Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus polychloros (blue eye ring/no yellow on tail)
• Vosmaeri Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus vosmaeri (yellow on tail/no blue eye ring)
• Solomon Island Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus solomonensis (like small Red-sided)
• Aruensis Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus aruensis (larger Red-sided/male has red eyes)
• Macgillivray Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi (largest, like Red-sided)
• Biaki Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus biaki
• Cornelia's Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus cornelia
• Riedeli's Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus riedeli
• Westermani Eclectus -- Eclectus roratus westermani

generally speaking, the Grand is the smallest and the Macgillivray is the largest ranging in size from about 300g to almost 600g.

As I have only had an Aru Red Sided I can only go on hear say for the others. I have been told the Solomon Island is the most mellow and the Red Sided the most hard headed with the Vos falling in the in the middle. Its not my experiance with Sophie yet but the Aru is said to be the best talker of the Ekkies.
From what I have gathered the "general" assumptions of the sub species is trully vague as it is such an individual bird thing.

The best discription I have seen comes from Land of Vos - Eclectus Species Profile

Please let me add that another excellent source for Eclectus information is the book, "Electus - An Experience" by Graham Taylor.

He lives in Australia and has studied them in their most natural environment. He assisted me in writing an article about Eclectus diet and nutrition recently and offers wonderful information.
Sky

Here's a sticky in the Eclectus forum - but looks like Jim covered it all. Eclectus Parrots Species Profile I also have the book by Graham Taylor - it's fabulous - definitely worth buying! You can get it from Avian Publications.

Kathie
What I found interesting about the book and in working with Graham, was the fact he feeds his clecs more fruit than I would have thought they 'should' have. Knowing they seem to sometimes have digestive tract issues and fall victim to many 'mysterious' illnesses, I decided to begin giving my clec more fruit. While I haven't noticed any difference with his overall 'outside' apearance, perhaps it's helping Skyler remain healthier on the 'inside'.
My caique breeder (many years ago), suggested keeping fruit at 10-15% of Beaker's regular diet so I had always done about the same with all my flock, but after corresponding with Graham about eclectus nutrition, I began giving everyone a little more fruit (with Skyler still getting slightly more).

His book is truly informative and he was most helpful and generous with his time assisting me.
Sky

Fantastic information, Jim, thank you.

Thanks for the tip on the book, Sky. I will look for it and buy it when I find it.

Ok, I alway thought Molly was a Solomon Island. She was a gift to me. She's overweight at 380-400 grams. She has the blue eye ring. Her temperment is fantastic. She just sits there. No yellow on the tail.

Am I safe in assuming a Solomon Island?

We think that my Ms. 'Clectus is either a Vos or a hybrid. She is WAY too big to be a solomon, bigger than most Red Sided. She doesn't have a pronounced yellow tail band, but there is yellow there, as well as the yellow 'v' in the vent area... Each molt, however, she gets more yellow in her tail.

One problem is we have no real idea how old she is, because of where she came from, we really know nothing about her.

She is VERY strong headed, though... That must be her red side showing through

In the pics I have seen of molly, she LOOKS like a solomon to me...

-Andrew

Yup- me too! I was doing more veggies than fruit and changed that around after reviewing his book. Also, the edible flowers were something new to me when I read his book. It gave me a better understanding of their diets. They are basically tree dwellers - high up - so it would make sense that flowers and berries would be more "natural" to their diet rather than veggies. Not too many veggies grow on trees!

one of the first things I learned, actually from the breeder, is Ekkies are a fruity bird. hehehe Funny thing is Sophie isn''t fond of fresh veggies.

Well, after spending the last 2 months caring for and feeding a bunch of lories, I won't be getting TOO carried away with Skyler's fruit. He seems to have done well with the increase though...

I haven't tried any edible flowers yet, but I've seen them in my Whole Foods store. Maybe when I get more money, lol. They're kind of pricey.

Sky