Species · GBIF taxon 2479359
Hyacinth Macaw
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinusAlso known as Hyacinthine Macaw, Blue Macaw
Hyacinth macaws are the largest flying parrots in the world, immediately recognizable by their stunning cobalt-blue plumage and vibrant yellow patches around their eyes and lower beak. These highly social birds form lifelong monogamous pairs and communicate with loud, guttural squawks as they fly across the South American savannas. They use their massive, powerful beaks to crack open incredibly hard palm nuts that other animals cannot access.
VocalSocialDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Acuri Palm Nuts
- Bocaiuva Palm Nuts
- Manduvi Fruits
Predators
- Harpy Eagle
- Coati
- Large Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, illegal pet trade, and climate change
HabitatsSemi-open grasslands, savannas, palm groves, and deciduous forests
Life span50 to 60 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPsittacidae
- SpeciesAnodorhynchus hyacinthinus
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses an extremely powerful beak; observe from a safe distance and do not attempt to handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- The massive beak can exert enough pressure to crush walnuts and easily break human bones if the bird feels threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its huge black beak and bright yellow skin patches at the base of the lower mandible.
- What to do
- Never corner or attempt to touch wild birds; give nesting pairs a wide berth.
- What to notice
- Look for a massive, deep blue parrot with bright yellow skin patches around the eyes and jaw.
- Support conservation
- Never disclose nesting locations online and report any suspected poaching or illegal trade to authorities.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Their loud, raucous screeching can be heard from miles away, signaling their approach.
- Scan palm groves: Look for them feeding in groups on the ground or in the canopy of acuri palms.
- Keep your distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to avoid disrupting their nesting or feeding activities.
Co-occurring Macaw (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
Frequent Companion Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Nancy Overholtz, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Rama, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.