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Hyacinth Macaw

Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

Vulnerable
The world's largest flying parrot faces a sobering future, with fewer than 4,300 of these brilliant blue giants left in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest flying parrot species, boasting a striking cobalt blue plumage that covers most of its body. Its massive black beak and long tail are distinctive features, while a bright yellow eye ring and patch at the base of the lower mandible provide striking contrast.

Both males and females share identical colouration, making visual sex determination challenging. Juveniles resemble adults but have shorter tails and paler yellow facial patches.

Size

Length

95cm to 100cm

Wingspan

120cm to 140cm

Weight

1.2kg to 1.7kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Blue

Secondary Colour

Yellow

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Hyacinth Macaw can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Hyacinth Macaw is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Hyacinth Macaw can be found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Hyacinth Macaws are native to central and eastern South America, primarily found in Brazil's Pantanal region, eastern Bolivia, and northeastern Paraguay. They inhabit tropical savanna woodlands, palm groves, and semi-open areas with large trees for nesting.

These birds are non-migratory, maintaining relatively stable territories throughout the year. Their distribution is closely linked to the presence of specific palm species that provide their primary food source.

Elevation Range

Up to 800 meters

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Hyacinth Macaw. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Bolivia Brazil Paraguay

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Hyacinth Macaw demonstrates impressive agility through its adept manipulation of objects and skilled foraging behaviour. Their dexterous feet and ability to navigate through trees whilst handling large palm nuts shows considerable coordination, though they're not as nimble as smaller parrot species.

Strength 95

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Possessing one of the strongest beaks in the avian world, these macaws can crack palm nuts that even resist machetes. Their large size (1.2-1.7kg) and ability to manipulate heavy food items demonstrates exceptional strength for a parrot species.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These intelligent birds show remarkable adaptability through tool use, including wedging nuts against branches and using leaves to process shells for calcium. They maintain stable populations in varying habitats from savannahs to woodlands, though they do require specific palm species for sustenance.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Whilst equipped with powerful beaks, Hyacinth Macaws are notably social and peaceful birds. They form strong family bonds and prefer cooperative behaviour within their groups. Their interactions tend towards playfulness rather than aggression.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their substantial lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild, combined with their ability to crack tough palm nuts throughout the day, suggests excellent endurance. They maintain active territories year-round and can sustain long periods of physical activity, particularly during breeding season.

Diet

Hyacinth Macaws primarily feed on the nuts of native palms, particularly those of the acuri and bocaiuva palms. Their powerful beaks are specially adapted to crack these hard nuts.

They also consume fruits, seeds, and occasionally tree bark. Their diet is closely tied to the availability of specific palm species in their habitat.

Behaviour

Hyacinth Macaws are highly social, often seen in pairs or small family groups. They are known for their playful nature, using their strong beaks and dexterous feet to manipulate objects and forage.

These intelligent birds are capable of using tools, such as wedging nuts against branches to crack them open more easily.

Vocalisation

Hyacinth Macaws have loud, resonant vocalisations that can be heard over long distances. Their calls include deep, guttural 'ahrr-ahrr' sounds and high-pitched screeches.

They also produce softer, more melodious notes when communicating with mates or offspring. Their vocalisations play a crucial role in maintaining social bonds within groups.

Nesting & Breeding

Hyacinth Macaws form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. The breeding season typically occurs from July to December, coinciding with the dry season in their native range.

These macaws nest in large tree cavities, often in manduvi trees. They do not build nests but may modify existing cavities. Females usually lay two eggs, though often only one chick survives.

The incubation period lasts about 28 days, with both parents sharing duties. Chicks remain in the nest for about 13 weeks before fledging, and parents continue to care for them for several months afterwards.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Vulnerable [1]

Hyacinth Macaws face threats from habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, nest box programs, and community-based initiatives to reduce poaching. Their population has stabilised in some areas due to these efforts, but continued protection is crucial for their survival.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

4,300 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Hyacinth Macaws in open areas with palm trees, their preferred habitat.
  • Listen for their loud, distinctive calls, which can be heard from a distance.
  • Observe them in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
  • Visit protected areas in the Pantanal region of Brazil for the best chances of spotting these birds.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Blue Macaw

Family:

Psittacidae

Average Lifespan

30 to 50 years

Predators

Adult Hyacinth Macaws have few natural predators due to their size, but large raptors and primates may pose threats. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predation by toucans, coatis, and various snakes.

Did You Know?

  1. Hyacinth Macaws have one of the strongest beaks in the bird world, capable of cracking open palm nuts that resist machetes.
  2. They have been observed using leaves as tools to grind down swallowed shells for calcium.
  3. These macaws can live up to 50 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived parrot species. They can live for 60 to 75 years in captivity.

References

  1. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22685516A93077457.

    View source

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