Common Name: Blue & Yellow Macaw
Scientific Name: Ara ararauna
LEAST CONCERN Blue & Yellow Macaw Distribution: South America Habitat: Varied Height: 86cm Weight: 995 - 1380g Diet: Herbivorous
The face of the macaw is white and there are black lines above and below the eye. The crown of the head is green which shades into blue on the back of the head. The breast and the upper sides of the parrot are yellow. The upper colour of the wings is blue which turns slightly darker near the end of the body. The tail is blue with the underside being yellow in colour. The underside of the wings are also yellow. The beak and feet are grey. The upper mandible of the beak is longer and more curved than the lower mandible. The macaw is found in South America where it ranges from Panama through Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. A range of habitats are occupied including seasonally flooded forest, savannah and deciduous forest. They may move into more open areas in the course of foraging. The macaw feeds on seeds, flowers and fruit. The macaw nests in tree holes and lays between 1 – 3 eggs. There is little information as to whether one or both of the parents incubate the eggs. However, both sexes defend the nest site. The eggs are incubated for 24 – 26 days. The parents only rear the strongest chick and the younger weaker chicks starve. The macaws are found in pairs or large flocks. Regular nest sites are used and the macaws move between the nest area and feeding areas. The species is threatened by capture for the pet trade.