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Native to the forests of central South America, the 'Hyacinth Macaw' (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'') is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species in the world, though the flightless Kakapo of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5kg. In terms of length it is larger than any other species of parrot. Their unique size, color, and markings make the all-blue Hyacinth Macaw one of the most recognized species of macaw. Their popularity as pets has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild. Birds in captivity fetch a price of around $9,000-$12,000 US.

Contents

Description

Reproduction

Distribution and habitat

Conservation

Media

Pictures

Video

Notes

Further reading

External links

Description

These birds grow to a total length of 100 cm and weigh 1.4-1.7 kg. The wingspan is 130-150 cm. They have a beak pressure that can easily disassemble the bars of a welded wrought iron cage in a short time (only the Green-winged Macaw can match its beak strength). This powerful beak is ideal for its favorite foods, which include hard nuts and seeds that would otherwise be inaccessible. Their strong beaks are even able to crack coconuts. In addition, they eat fruits and other vegetable matter. Pine nuts are also one of the most popular foods. There are eight species of palm that are central to their diet. They are generally messy eaters.
The Hyacinth Macaw has a solid blue body of feathers, similar to the color of indigo. It has a solid black beak with bright yellow along the sides of the lower part of the beak and circling its solid dark eyes. Unlike other species of macaw, it does not have a white patch of featherless skin around the eye. The female and male are nearly indistinguishable, although the female is typically a bit more slender.

Reproduction

These birds nest in existing holes in trees. The clutch size is one or two eggs, although usually only one fledgling survives as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. Juveniles stay with their parents until they are six months old. They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age.

Distribution and habitat

The Hyacinth Macaw survives today in three known distinct populations in South America: southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. It is possible that smaller, fragmented populations occur in other areas of its range. Its habitat includes riverside tropical rain forests and palm swamps.

Conservation

The Hyacinth Macaw is considered an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and by the use of their feathers by the Kayapo Indians of Gorotire in southern Brazil. These Indians use the feathers to make headdresses and other baubles for the tourist trade. Also, like many other animals, their habitat is being reduced by development. Annual grass fires set by gauchos can destroy nest trees.
The Minnesota Zoo with BioBrasil ^[1] and World Wildlife Fund^[2] are involved in Hyacinth Macaw conservation.

Media

Pictures

Video

Notes

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Further reading

★ Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is endangered, and the criteria used

★ del Hoyo et al., 1997. ''Handbook of the Birds of the World''. Vol. 4.

★ Caldas, Sergio T. and L Candiasani. 2005. Arara-Azul. DBA Dórea Books and Art, São Paulo, São Paulo.

External links

★ The Blue Macaws website

★ Hyacinth Macaw entry from Earlham College

★ How the Hyacinth Macaw got its Markings - a folk tale