The Vosmaeri Eclectus (Eclectus roratus vosmaeri)

The Golden Giant of the Moluccas

The Vosmaeri Eclectus is the most regal and visually stunning of all the Eclectus subspecies. Native to the North Moluccas islands in Indonesia (such as Halmahera and Obi), they are the largest and most sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.

They are easily distinguished by their elongated bodies and “grand” appearance. In the sun, the Vosmaeri doesn’t just look colorful—it looks like it is glowing.

The Visual Distinction

The Vosmaeri is often called the “Golden-tailed” Eclectus because of its unique color palette:

• The Male: A brilliant, “forest-green” body. What sets him apart is the intense yellow-green on his head and the broad lemon-yellow band at the tip of his tail. He also tends to have more extensive red patches on his sides than other subspecies.

• The Female: Truly the “Queen” of the family. She features a bright, brilliant lavender-purple breast (rather than the dark blue of the Solomon or Red-sided). Her most famous trait is her bright yellow undertail coverts and a thick yellow band on the tip of her tail, making her look incredibly ornate.

Key Characteristics

• Elongated Stature: They have a longer neck and a more “swept-back” appearance than the stockier Red-sided Eclectus. They move with a slow, deliberate grace.

• The “Sweetest” Voice: Many owners claim that the Vosmaeri has the most melodic voice of the Eclectus group. Their mimicry is often described as having a “gentle” or “flute-like” quality.

• Steady Temperament: While all Eclectus are “thinkers,” the Vosmaeri is known for being particularly calm and philosophical. They are less likely to be “spooked” than the smaller subspecies.

• Exquisite Feathering: Their feathers have a high-gloss, velvety sheen that is more pronounced due to their larger surface area.

Quick Facts

Specialized Care Requirements

Because the Vosmaeri is a larger bird with a high metabolism, their dietary and environmental needs are paramount:

• Massive Vitamin A Needs: Their vibrant colors are fueled by beta-carotene. They require large amounts of dark leafy greens, carrots, and cantaloupe to prevent “feather bronzing” (where feathers turn brown/black due to malnutrition).

• Avoid All Additives: Like all Eclectus, they are extremely sensitive to chemicals. Feed only organic produce whenever possible and avoid any food with artificial dyes.

• Space for Flight: Because they are large-winged birds, they need significant room to stretch. A “macaw-sized” cage is often recommended even though they are shorter than macaws, simply to accommodate their wingspan and activity level.

Is a Vosmaeri Eclectus Right for You?

The Vosmaeri is the “luxury” companion of the parrot world. They are ideal for an experienced bird owner who can commit to a high-quality fresh food diet and wants a bird that is a stunning living work of art. They are peaceful, talkative, and possess a quiet dignity that is unmatched.