BLUE AND GOLD MACAW

ORDER

Psittaciformes (parrots)

FAMILY

Psittacidae (parrot)

HABITAT AND RANGE

Blue and Gold macaws can be found in South America, from Panama south to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. They can live in swampy forests, open marshlands and woodlands, rainforest, and other areas with large trees.

IDENTIFICATION

Blue and Gold macaws get their names from their striking colors. They have yellow on their chest, legs and up to their face. The plumage from the back of their neck, throughout their back and tail is bright blue. Their throat is black, looking like a “black beard,” face is white with black lines and beak is black. The top of their head is emerald green fading into blue by their neck. Blue and gold macaws average 34 inches in length.

DIET

Macaws require high-energy food sources. They eat nuts, fruit, berries, and seeds.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Blue and gold macaws breed between December and March depending on their location within their range. They nest high about the ground in cavities found in large dead trees. The hen usually lays a small clutch of 1-3 eggs that hatch after 25-27 days of incubation. The young will fledge the nest after about 12 weeks. Most blue and gold macaws breed once a year. Lifespan is up to 50 years.

NOTES

They are usually seen in pairs, family groups, or flocks of about 20 birds. Occasionally one might see gatherings of Blue and Golds, which can number into the hundreds. They are currently disappearing from many areas. This disappearance is due largely to hunting, trapping, trade and habitat destruction. They can be very good mimics.