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Compiled by Pat and Gene Novak and Eclectus Group board members using the following references: Parrots of the World by John Forshaw, Parrots: Their Care and Breeding by Rosemary Low; A Guide to Eclectus Parrots by Australian Birdkeeper; The Eclectus--A Complete Guide by Roger Sweeney; A Complete Guide to Eclectus Parrots by K.Wayne Arthur, Fred Bauer, and Laurella Desborough; Parrots and Related Birds by Bates and Busenbach. 

Identification issues in conflict between resources was resolved through reference to eclectus skin collections by Laurella Desborough. There are ten named Eclectus subspecies. Some authorities recognize only seven. This chart compares six found in U.S. aviculture.

Note: Sub-adult eclectus males may have juvenile plumage which contains some red feathers similar to those of the adult female eclectus. Depending on the subspecies, tails may be tipped in red or reddish-orange. These tail feather colors disappear after the first moult. Occasionally adult males will present slight 'necklaces' of red or blue feathers, or bluish feathers on the breast; which are part of the bird's regular feather coloring. Feather color may be affected by lack of a bath and by age of the feathers. When nearing the moult, green feathers are not as reflective and show darker than usual. Eye color develops with age and may be affected by other factors as well. L.D.