Hyacinth Macaw
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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?
- Hyacinth Macaws have one of the strongest beaks in the bird world, capable of cracking open palm nuts that resist machetes.
- They have been observed using leaves as tools to grind down swallowed shells for calcium.
- 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 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22685516A93077457.
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