Blue-and-yellow macaw

Ara ararauna

Introduction

The blue-and-yellow macaw also known as the blue-and-gold macaw is one of the most recognisable parrot species in the world thanks to its striking combination of deep blue and golden yellow plumage. Native to the forests and wooded savannas of Central and South America, it stands out for its intelligence, strong pair bonds and powerful vocalisations.

WEIGHT
1,040 – 1,286 g

DIET
Herbivorous (frugivorous-granivorous)

ORIGIN
Central and South America

INCUBATION
24 – 28 days

Facts about the blue-and-yellow macaw

The blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) displays bright blue plumage on the back, wings and tail, while the chest and belly are an intense yellow. The forehead and crown are greenish, and the bare facial skin is white with fine black lines formed by small feathers. The upper side of the tail is blue, while the underside has a yellowish tone.

Diet

This species feeds on a wide variety of seeds, fruits, flowers and leaves from different plant species. Thanks to its powerful beak, it can handle and consume many types of food.

Lifestyle

Like most macaws, it is a diurnal and social species that can be observed in pairs, although they may also form much larger groups. They maintain a strong bond with their partner and are monogamous.

They gather in groups along riverbanks to ingest clay (geophagy). This behaviour has been associated both with the neutralisation of plant toxins present in certain foods and with the intake of essential minerals.

Reproduction

Blue-and-yellow macaws form monogamous pairs that may remain together for many years. They nest in natural cavities in large trees, where the female usually lays between 2 and 3 eggs.

The incubation period lasts approximately 28 days and is carried out by the female, while the male assists in defending the territory and providing food.

The chicks hatch blind and dependent, remaining in the nest for several weeks until they complete their development.

Geographic distribution and habitat

The blue-and-yellow macaw is widely distributed across Central and South America, ranging from eastern Panama to Colombia, and from Venezuela to Brazil and northern Bolivia. It may also occur in Paraguay and northern Argentina, and has become extinct in Trinidad and Tobago, where reintroduction efforts have recently been carried out.

It is a species that inhabits tropical forests, particularly swampy and riverine areas. It is associated with ecosystems containing large trees, especially palms, whose cavities it uses for nesting. From elevated positions, it is able to avoid predators.

Threats to the population

Despite its wide distribution, the blue-and-yellow macaw faces local threats caused by deforestation for agricultural expansion, hunting and illegal capture for the pet trade.

Habitat fragmentation reduces the availability of mature trees suitable for nesting, which may affect breeding success in certain regions. In addition, human pressure on tropical forests limits the areas available for feeding and shelter.

According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species is currently classified as Least Concern (LC). However, the organisation also notes that its population trend is decreasing due to the progressive loss of habitat and pressure from illegal trade.

Conservation status

Population status: Least Concern (LC)
Population trend: Decreasing

Blue-and-yellow macaw photos

Interesting facts about the blue-and-yellow macaw

Great longevity

This species can live for over 50 years

Powerful communication

Its vocalisations are loud and can be heard over long distances, facilitating communication between individuals in dense forest environments

High cognitive ability

Like other parrots, it possesses a strong capacity for learning and problem-solving, reflecting a high level of cognitive development among birds

How we help conserve macaws

As an animal embassy, Loro Parque participates in international conservation and breeding programmes for threatened parrots. Through support for protection projects in their natural habitats, collaboration in research initiatives and environmental education, we contribute to the conservation of species and raise awareness of the threats they face, such as habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.

If you would like to actively contribute to the protection of threatened species, you can support our conservation projects through our donation programme.

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