Ornithologists usually classify the Moluccan eclectus as a member of tribe Psittaculini in the family Psittacidae of order Psittaciformes.
Access to some regions where the species occurs is difficult due to geographical or political reasons, hence field observations have been limited.
The Moluccan eclectus is unusual in the parrot family for its marked visible light sexual dimorphism in the colours of the plumage.
The upper mandible of both male and female juveniles are brown at the base fading to yellow towards the biting edges and the tip.
In captivity, the Moluccan eclectus benefits from specially formulated pellets or bird biscuit diet, backed up with daily serves of 2 to 3 fruits, and 5 vegetables (& leafy greens such as endive and dandelion), and a small amount of seeds and nuts such as almonds and walnuts to be used as treats.
Keeping seed and nuts to be fed by hand as treats restricts over intake of oils, which can happen if these are just put into feed bowls.
Suitable hollows are at a premium and the hen vigorously defends her chosen nesting site from other females (perhaps even fighting to the death), remaining resident at 'her tree' for up to 11 months of the year, rarely straying from the entrance to her hollow and relying on multiple males to feed her via regurgitation.
This unique breeding strategy may explain the pronounced sexual dimorphism of the eclectus, as the female must remain conspicuous at the entry to the nest hole (to advertise her presence at her hollow to males and rival females), but well hidden when in the depths of the nest, because the red color hides her well in the darkness.
However, the plumage of both sexes appears spectacular when viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum, an ability which predators such as hawks and owls lack.
[12] Moluccan eclectus hens have a strong maternal instinct, which is displayed in captivity, where they constantly seek possible nesting places, climbing into cupboards, drawers, and spaces beneath furniture, and becoming very possessive and defensive of these locations.
Inadequate nest hollows have a habit of flooding in heavy rain, drowning the chicks or eggs inside.
[13] This reported infanticide in wild pairs may be the result of other causes, since this behavior where the hen selectively kills male chicks is not observed in captive birds.
[14] Moluccan eclectus are generally calm birds in captivity, displaying a pensive affect when faced with novel items or situations,[15] which may give rise to the mistaken impression that the species is 'dull-witted'.