Lovebirds and the Solomon Island Eclectus

Introduction

             When growing up, I have had a zeal for birds. When growing, my parents owned several types of pet birds, which would later influence my preferences for pet birds. As an adult, I have owned two pairs of lovebirds for three years. I do not have the lovebirds anymore, but now I currently own a Solomon Island Eclectus. Many people think birds are birds, but nothing could be further from the truth. Birds are not just birds; they differ in many ways. Birds vary by their size, color, diet, and vocabulary. For bird fans, comparing birds in terms of their color, size, behavior and diet as well as knowing the how to distinguish the different sexes play a vital role in determining the bird preference or whether two or more species of birds can be allowed to interact. In this regard, this essay compares lovebirds and Eclectus birds.

The first notable difference between lovebirds and Eclectus birds relates to their physical features in terms of size and color.  Lovebirds can range in size from 4 to 6 inches. Lovebirds come in many different colors that range from violet to green and almost every color in between. Like most birds, it is difficult to establish the sex of a lovebird just looking at it. DNA testing provides the only affirmative method that can be used to ascertain the sex of a lovebird. On the other hand, Eclectus birds are relatively large in size, about 14 inches. The Eclectus birds also have a unique feature. They are one of the few birds that are sexually dimorphic, which makes it relatively easy to difference the sexes of Eclectus birds. The males are always green with an orange beak, and the female Eclectus is bright red, scarlet red, purple, and violet with a black beak.

Apart from differences in physical features, lovebirds and Eclectus birds need different sizes of cages. The size of the cage varies from bird to bird. For lovebirds, the recommended minimum cage size is 24” long, 24” deep, and 24” high. The bar spacing, for a lovebird cage, should not exceed half an inch between bars. For Eclectus birds, the recommended minimum cage size is slightly larger. The Eclectus cage size should be 40” long, 40” deep, and 40” high. The bar spacing, for the Eclectus, should be one inch. Both birds need a variety of toys to prevent boredom. The lovebird requires toys that are smaller. If the toy is made of wood, it should be a soft wood. The Eclectus requires larger toys made of harder material, or a harder wood due to its bite strength. Wooden toys are a must for the birds to keep their beaks healthy.

The third difference between these two birds relate to their diets. The diets of these two birds differ in the types of food they eat and the quantity. The lovebirds’ diet consists mostly of seeds. Lovebirds should be given some fresh food three times a week. Some examples of fresh food are carrots, bell peppers, and corn. On the other hand, the Eclectus is very different. They require fresh food daily. The Eclectus’ diet comprises mainly of fresh food and vegetables. Some examples of the fresh food the Eclectus needs in their diet are corn, beans, rice, pasta, bell peppers, hot peppers, and mixed fruit. Eclectus require a small amount of seed, every few days.

Lovebirds and Eclectus can also be compared using their vocalization. Both the Lovebird and the Eclectus are different in regards to their vocalization. Lovebirds are very good singers, and create a joyful sound. Lovebirds are not known for their speech. Although, some Lovebirds can talk, these are few and far between. The Eclectus birds, on the other hand, are excellent at mimicking words and sounds. They naturally pick up words, phrases and sounds very quickly. An Eclectus can even be taught to finish a sentence or a phrase.

In conclusion, birds are not just birds. Birds of a feather flock together, but Lovebirds and Eclectus’ wear different feathers. While they may be in the same family, they have completely different features as well as how they are raised and fed. Lovebirds are smaller in size, require smaller cages, feed on seeds, and are good singers. On the other hand, Eclectus birds are relatively larger in size, require large cages, feed on fresh vegetables and foods, and are good at mimicking sounds and words.