Species · GBIF taxon 5959231
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Ara araraunaAlso known as Blue-and-gold Macaw
Blue-and-yellow macaws are magnificent, highly social parrots that light up the canopy with their brilliant plumage and raucous, screaming calls. They live in lifelong pairs, flying wingtip-to-wingtip in search of clay licks, seasonal fruits, and hard-shelled nuts. In the wild, these intelligent birds play a vital role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds across vast tropical landscapes.
SocialVocalCanopy-dwelling
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Palm nuts
- Spondias fruits
- Hura crepitans seeds
Predators
- Harpy Eagle
- Jaguar
- Large snakes
ThreatsHabitat destruction, illegal pet trade, and hunting
HabitatsRainforests, swamp forests, woodlands, and open savannahs
Life span30 to 50 years in the wild, up to 80 years in captivity
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPsittacidae
- SpeciesAra ararauna
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses an extremely powerful beak capable of delivering a severe bite; do not attempt to handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- The massive, hooked beak can exert immense pressure, easily crushing finger bones or causing deep lacerations if the bird feels threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for the massive black bill, bright yellow underparts, and bare white facial skin that flushes pink when excited.
- What to do
- Observe wild birds from a distance using binoculars, and never attempt to corner, feed, or handle them.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Their loud, harsh screeches can be heard from miles away, signaling their approach long before they are seen.
- Watch clay licks: Visit exposed riverbanks early in the morning to witness spectacular gatherings consuming mineral-rich clay.
- Look up: Scan the highest branches of dead palm trees, which are favored nesting sites for breeding pairs.
Predator (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
Close Relative "Red-and-green Macaw" by ~Shanth is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative neiljs / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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