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Blue and Gold Macaw
Scientific Name: Ara ararauna

Hyacinth Macaws are the largest of the world's 340 parrot species. They are characterized by brilliant cobalt blue Blue and Gold Macaws are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They have rich, royal blue and golden feathers, and they can grow to be 32-35 inches long. Weighing only around 2 lbs, these relatively light birds are very maneuverable and often forage for fruits and seeds in the canopy of trees.

Occupying an extensive range in tropical South America-from Eastern Panama to Columbia, Ecuador, and Brazil-Blue and Gold Macaws are not currently threatened, but they do face problems from habitat loss, hunting and trapping.

Fun Facts:
  • Blue and Gold Macaws mate for life, and pairs are often seen flying so close together that their wings nearly touch.
  • During the non-breeding season, some Blue and Gold Macaws may socialize and congregate in flocks of 30-50 birds.
  • Although they are capable of expertly mimicking human speech, macaws do not mimic other birdcalls in the wild.
  • Macaws are known for their vividly colored feathers. These may seem conspicuous and impractical to us, but they actually blend in very well with the vibrant shades of the leaves, fruits and shadows of the rainforest
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