Moluccan- The King of Exotic Birds

Multiple birds have made it to the internet, but when it comes to exotic birds, parrots are the incredible ones. However, when it comes to a kingdom, there is always a king. Moluccan is the king of exotic birds. 

Where does Moluccan live?

This bird lives in the eastern Malaysian archipelago, Moluccas, Banggai Islands, Sula Islands, and the far west of New Guinea. It is called alisterus amboinensis, which usually lives in areas with more trees to hide from humans. Although it has suffered most activities from human, it can be said that they are not in the extinction danger zone. 

What does Moluccan look like?

Length: 35 cms

Weight: 500 grams

There is no sexual dimorphism; hence, the only way to know the sex of this bird is via a DNA test. It is its colorfulness that characterizes this bird. The chest, throat, neck, head, and stomach are of string reddish color. At the same time, the shoulders and upper back have a dark blue color. The dark blue color predominates the primary feathers of its tail. However, the wings are dark green, and the lower tail feathers are too. Its iris is orange with a black eye ring and beak with a pinkish shade mixed with orange. 

Five subspecies of Moluccan

• Alisterus Amboinensis Buruensis: known as Buru’s parrot, it is a little bigger than the usual size. It has a black beak with a green band on the upper blue part of its back. 
• Alisterus Amboinensis Dorsalis: It has no pale pink edges on the tail and is smaller than the usual size. 
• Alisterus Amboinensis Hypophonius: with blue feathers prominent on its wings and back lower part, it is smaller than nominal. 
• Alisterus Amboinensis Sulaensis: Sula parrot has a redder orange tone on the reddish side of its body, and a green band on the bluish side of its body is lesser in size than the nominal ones. 
• Alisterus Amboinensis Versicolor: It has a shorter tail and measures approx. 33cm. However, it is identical to nominal species. 

Why is it so special?

It has characteristics that make it unique, and people prefer it as a pet bird. It is not as aggressive as other species. Hence, it can adjust with others in mixed aviaries. A calm and pleasant temperament can adjust with anyone and anywhere. However, you need to provide space according to the climate. 

What does it eat?

Its diet is the same as the other exotic birds.

Reproduction of this bird is complicated because the success rate is less than 25 percent. Henceforth, this task should be left to professional breeders only.