Australian Eclectus Research Project in Progress
Breeding difficulties and Nutritional requirements of the Australian Eclectus
By Rob Marshall B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc. (Avian Health)

Introduction
Dr Rob Marshall is currently investigating the possible causes of breeding failure in the Australian Eclectus (Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi). 12 breeding pairs are included in the study. He believes variable food supply and limited range has produced a more seasonal breeding pattern for the Australian Eclectus than subspecies closer to the equator. The research findings of Heinsohn and Legge are being used to help with the study.

Normally the rainforest habitat provides Eclectus parrots with a large variety of foods. Some rainforest plants fruit more readily during dry periods, but most of the rainforest plants require a good wet season for fruiting to occur. Associated with poor wet seasons Eclectus may need to venture outside the rainforest to feed. In the grassy under-story of adjacent eucalypt woodland seed producing grasses and trees such as the Pandanus (see attached photograph) are available to the Australian Eclectus. The Australian Eclectus have been seen flying into these areas in search of food (Forshaw 2002). It can be assumed that the fruits and seed of these plants may be eaten during dry times but not in preference to the seeds found in fruits, the fruit itself and nuts found in the rainforest. Dr. Legge notes in her research that the Australian Eclectus preferred the seeds of some plants, the entire fruits of others and the aril in others. The aril is the fleshy part around the seeds in fruit The variety of nutrients available to the Eclectus is extensive as evidenced by her list of plant and plant parts eaten.

Many varieties of fruit found in the rainforests inhabited by Eclectus parrots are ideal foods for feeding parents. They are sweet, energy and vitamin rich with some protein and fat content.

Many nut-bearing trees occur in Australian rainforests and surrounding woodlands. Some nuts such as those from the Cycad (Cycas armstrongii) and Red kurrajong (Brachychiton paradoxum) present in rainforest and adjacent areas are toxic and may not be eaten by Eclectus. Nuts and fruits from the Pandanus (Pandanus spp), a distinctive branched, spiky-leaved “palm” and from Parinari trees (Parinari nonda) found in open woodlands adjacent to the rainforests are favourites of the Australian Eclectus. Forshaw observed them feeding from these trees. Pandanus nuts are extremely nutritious. When analysed at the University of Sydney they were found to be very high in protein (24 -34%) and fat (44 - 49%). Marshall believes Eclectus do best on diet rich in omega fatty acids.

Black bean or Moreton Bay Chestnut (Castanospermum australe) trees bear large seeds. Castanospermum australe is one of the canopy tree species found in the rainforest inhabited by the Australian Eclectus.

Copyright © 2004 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.