$3,900.00
Natalie’s Inspiration: “Eclectus Parrots are unique in the bird world as they are one of the very few bird species that don’t share much similarities to one another in their feather plumage – actually complete opposites on the colour chart! Using my own reference photos from a trip to North Queensland a few years back, I revisited this special moment of this parrot pair to create this painting. Working with polar opposite colours with this amazing pair was so much fun!!”.
It was not until 1913 that the Eclectus Parrot was discovered in Australia, in the rain forests of Cape York Peninsula. The parrot was familiar from other parts of its wide range to the north of Australia, and had been known for more than a century. Its remarkable sexual dimorphism had caused endless confusion. Eclectus parrots are birds of the forest canopy and spend much of their days in the trees, feeding on berries and other fruit, nuts, seeds and blossoms. They are noisy, conspicuous birds, and often their loud and raucous cries can be heard throughout the valley.
The eclectus parrot is found throughout the rainforests of eastern parts of far north Queensland, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Moluccas. They are a sexually dimorphic species, meaning males and females look different! Males are a vibrant, emerald green with red and blue underwings and an orange beak. The females are bright red with dark purple under their wings and a black beak. Eclectus parrots are highly social and will form life-long, monogamous relationships.
In the forests of far north Queensland, during the early morning and late afternoon, they can be observed foraging in pairs or large groups. These adorable birds are herbivores and will primarily feed upon forest fruits, nuts, seeds and blossoms. They usually manage to find a deep nest hole in a tree where they can lay their eggs and raise a family. Eclectus Parrots indulge in mutual preening and in display the male slowly bobs and dips his head. He also feeds the female then regularly later when she is incubating. Both parents care for the chicks.
Natalie’s real love is painting small animals, native to Australia. She completed her Associate Diploma of Fine Arts at Newcastle University. She was born on 16th April 1971 and is a young artist with a bright future. Natalie has over 70 images and counting reproduced onto mugs, trays, jigsaws, tea towels, placemats and coasters, distributed throughout the world by giftware company Ashdene Australia. She is the author and illustrator of 32 children’s books and has her work reproduced onto calendars, prints, tea towels, jigsaw’s, placemats, coasters and materials introducing her work to a much broader cross section of the public rather than just the lovers of fine art. She has won several International Art Awards. Natalie remains one of Australia’s highest profile wildlife artists. Natalie’s works will continue to increase in value are a great investment.
Original painting by Natalie Jane Parker
In stock
