Ara ararauna

Description

The Blue and Gold Macaw is a large South American parrot with blue top parts and yellow underparts. It is a member of a large group of neotropical parrots known as macaws. They are vivid in appearance with blue wings and tail, dark-blue chin, golden under parts and a green forehead. Their beaks are black. The naked face is white, turning pink in excited birds, and lined with small, black feathers.

Distribution

This species occurs in Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. The range extends slightly into Central America, where it is restricted to Panama.

Oakvale Distribution Maps Blue Yellow Macaw
Blue and Gold Macaw Distribution Map

Lifespan

Blue and Gold Macaws live between 30 and 35 years out in the wild. When in captivity these birds can live up to 50 years.

Size

76 - 86cm in length and weigh 1 - 1.5kg.

Diet

The Blue and Gold Macaw eat a variety of seeds, plant material, fruits and nuts. It uses its powerful beak for breaking nutshells, and for climbing up and hanging from trees.

Habitat

Blue and Gold Macaws live in forest and woodland areas in South and Central America.

Breeding

The Blue and Gold Macaw generally mate for life. They nest almost exclusively in dead palms and most nests are in Mauritia flexuosa palms. The female typically lays two or three eggs. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days. One chick is dominant and gets most of the food; the others perish in the nest. The male bird’s colour signals readiness for breeding. The brighter the colours, the better chance of getting a mate.

蓝色和金色金刚鹦鹉 | ルリコンゴウインコ | 파랑 & 황금 마코앵무