The blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) is found in the tropical woodlands of South America. It belongs to the large group of neotropical parrots. They are one of the largest parrots of the family Psittacidae. Like other parrot species, macaws also make very popular pets.
Blue and Yellow Macaw Facts
Anatomy
- The blue and yellow macaw grows to a length of 76–86 cm (30–34 in) and weighs up to 0.900–1.5 kg (2–3 lb).
- They are recognized by the striking yellow and golden plumage. This is why they are also known as blue and golden macaw.
- The forehead is green while the chin is dark blue.
- They have black beak which is lined with tiny black feathers.
- There are no hairs on the face of blue and yellow macaw.
- The average lifespan of these parrots is 30 – 35 years in the wild.
- Blue and yellow macaws reach the maturity age at 3 – 6 years old.
- Macaws will also make loud calls such as screams and flock calls. It has also the ability to mimic human voices.
Distribution & Habitat
- Blue and yellow macaws occur in Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Brazil. Some of the isolated population also inhabits Panama, Central America.
- It had lived in Trinidad in 1970s but had gone extinct because of hunting.
Feeding Ecology & Diet
Blue and yellow macaws feed on seeds, fruits, and nuts.
Reproductive Biology
- They are thought to mate for life.
- Macaws nest in Mauritia flexuosa palms and dead palms.
- A female lays 2 – 3 eggs.
- Female alone incubates the eggs and it lasts about 28 days.
- One of the chicks dominates the other one to eat more food.
- The chicks fledge out in 3 months.