How to Buy an Eclectus Parrot in the United States

What is an Eclectus parrot like as a pet?

The Merck Veterinary Manual places the Eclectus in Indonesia and the Pacific islands and describes males as emerald green with red and yellow patches, and females as deep red, often with a blue bib. The World Parrot Trust gives a length of about 13.6 inches and a weight of 450 to 600 grams, so this is a medium-large parrot.

• Attention: VCA describes Eclectus as very socially needy birds that need a lot of time from their owners, and The Vet Desk says they need socialization every day.
• Talking: Merck says talking ability varies; The Vet Desk calls their speech abilities excellent.
• Noise: Merck says they are not as prone to screaming as cockatoos and macaws, but The Vet Desk warns that some of their calls are startling and loud.
• Lifespan: Merck gives an average of 20 to 50 years and the World Parrot Trust up to 50, so plan who would care for the bird after you.

Which Eclectus subspecies are sold in the US, and how can you tell them apart?

Listings often name a subspecies. The World Parrot Trust now splits the Eclectus into the Moluccan, Papuan, Tanimbar and Sumba Eclectus, and the familiar pet labels fall under the first two.

Young birds are harder to place: the World Parrot Trust says juveniles of both sexes are duller than adults, with brown eyes and a dark brown or gray upper beak tipped yellow. Not every captive line has been kept separate, so ask for photos of both parents and treat a subspecies label without them as the seller's guess.

Is it legal to buy an Eclectus parrot in the US?

• CITES: both the Moluccan and Papuan Eclectus are on Appendix II (World Parrot Trust). CITES controls trade between countries, not a sale between two US residents.
• Imports: the Wild Bird Conservation Act has barred most imports of CITES-listed birds since 1993, and the World Parrot Trust names trapping for the wildlife trade among the threats to wild Eclectus. Buy only a US-bred bird with a closed band, and walk away from one described as wild-caught.
• Endangered Species Act: no Eclectus is on the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife (checked November 2026), so no federal permit is needed to buy one from another US resident.
• State and local rules: these vary, so check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency, your city and your landlord or HOA.

Where can you find Eclectus parrots for sale, and what should you ask?

You can browse Eclectus parrots for sale by location, save the search for alerts and message the seller before you visit. If no bird suits you, post an Eclectus wanted ad, or consider an adult from a rescue: see how to adopt an Eclectus parrot.

1. Which subspecies are both parents, and can I see them or their photos?
2. When did it hatch, and is it fully weaned and eating on its own?
3. What is on the closed leg band, and is there a microchip?
4. What does it eat each day? Expect a list of vegetables and fruit, not a bowl of seed.
5. Has it ever shown toe tapping, wing flipping or feather picking?
6. Has an avian vet examined it, and has it been tested or vaccinated for polyomavirus?
7. Can I visit, hear it call and handle it, and will you give a written health guarantee?

Put the subspecies, sex, hatch date, band, price and records on a signed bill of sale. Sellers can see what buyers expect in how to sell Eclectus parrots.

Why does an Eclectus's diet matter when you buy?

Feeding is where Eclectus differ most from other parrots. VCA says they need more vitamin A than most parrots, and that deficiency signs such as poor feathering, swelling in the mouth and beak overgrowth are common in the species. A 2014 World Small Animal Veterinary Association paper by veterinarian Dorianne Elliott advises minimal seed, green and orange vegetables for beta-carotene, and notes that Eclectus may be sensitive to colorants and preservatives in formulated diets. The Vet Desk adds that they need a diet very high in fiber.

• Toe tapping: a 2002 AFA Watchbird article by Eclectus keeper Laurella Desborough, written with avian vet Brian Speer, describes repeated clenching and stretching of the toes and suggests first removing all pellets, vitamin powders and vitaminized seed or treats.
• Wing flipping: the same article treats it as a separate sign, usually seen in progressively worsening cases, so it needs a vet exam with lab work.
• Supplements: do not add vitamin powders on your own; ask your avian vet.
• Changes: keep the seller's diet at first and change it slowly with your vet's help.

How much does an Eclectus parrot cost in the US?

A bargain Eclectus that must be shipped is a warning sign. The Better Business Bureau warns about fake bird sellers who take a first payment and then demand more for shipping or crates, and the FTC advises paying by credit card, never by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. Use the Report Scam button on any suspicious listing.

How do you check an Eclectus's health after you buy?

• Vet exam: book an avian vet soon after the move; the Association of Avian Veterinarians has a Find-a-Vet search, and VCA advises yearly exams for all birds.
• Quarantine: keep the newcomer away from your other birds until it is cleared; the CDC notes that birds can carry psittacosis without looking sick.
• Polyomavirus: VCA says most young and newly weaned parrots infected with it die quickly with no signs, and that birds can be tested with a blood sample or swab.
• Feathers: VCA warns that Eclectus may develop psychologically based feather picking that is difficult to treat, partly because they are so socially needy, so plan daily time together from day one.
• Females: VCA says single female Eclectus often become chronic egg layers; ask your vet about limiting light to about 8 hours a day if she starts laying.