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A large parrot with turquoise-blue upperparts and bright golden-yellow underparts.Least Concern

Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Ara ararauna

Also known as: Blue-and-gold Macaw

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a large parrot native to the swamps and rainforests of South America, known for its vivid plumage and loud, raucous calls. They are highly intelligent birds that form strong monogamous bonds and can live for decades. In the wild, they are often seen gathering at clay licks alongside other parrots to consume mineral-rich soil, which helps neutralise toxins found in their diet of unripe seeds.

Did you know?
Blue-and-yellow macaws can mimic human speech and live up to 50 years or more in captivity!

Blue-and-yellow Macaw Quick Facts

Lifespan
30–50 years
Habitat
Rainforests, woodlands, swamps
Diet
Fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves
Region
South America

Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue-and-yellow Macaw

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw can be found in South America and is most often associated with Rainforests, woodlands, swamps.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw feeds on Fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves and is considered a herbivore.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is currently listed as Least Concern, with a decreasing population trend. Main threats include Illegal pet trade, Habitat loss.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is usually monogamous pairs.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is typically diurnal.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is resident.

The main threats facing the Blue-and-yellow Macaw include Illegal pet trade and Habitat loss.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw population trend is currently decreasing.

Well-known places to look for the Blue-and-yellow Macaw include Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru) and Amazon Basin.

Natural predators of the Blue-and-yellow Macaw include Harpy eagles, Large felids, and Large snakes.

Iconic species of the tropical rainforest.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is part of the Psittacidae family and a Psittaciformes order.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw weighs about 1.1 kg, stands around 85 cm tall, reaches about 85 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 110 cm.

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw can reach speeds of around 56 km/h.