Blue and Gold Macaw grooming itself

An up close image of a blue and gold Macaw grooming itself on top of a tree

The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) is a large and beautiful... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Blue and Gold Macaw grooming itself

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees

Description

an up close image of a blue and gold Macaw grooming itself on top of a tree

The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) is a large and beautiful species of parrot known for its vibrant blue and yellow feathers. Here are some interesting facts about Blue and Gold Macaws:

Appearance: Blue and Gold Macaws are one of the largest species of parrots, reaching an average length of 81-86 centimeters (32-34 inches) and weighing around 900-1500 grams. They have a bright blue plumage on their upperparts, wings, and tail, with yellow feathers on their underparts, face, and lower wings. They also have a large, strong, black beak.

Geographic Range: This macaw species is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly found in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and parts of northern Argentina.

Diet: Blue and Gold Macaws are primarily herbivorous. Their diet includes a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, and vegetation. They also consume clay from exposed riverbanks, which provides them with essential minerals.

Vocalizations: These macaws have a loud and powerful voice. They are known for their ability to mimic human speech, although their vocalizations in the wild typically consist of squawks, screams, and calls to communicate with their flock members.

Social Behavior: Blue and Gold Macaws are highly social birds. They form strong pair bonds and live in small flocks, often seen flying and foraging together. They engage in social activities such as grooming each other and vocalizing.

Reproduction: Breeding pairs of Blue and Gold Macaws mate for life. They typically nest in tree cavities, using their beaks to excavate the hole. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 25-28 days. Both parents participate in feeding and raising the chicks until they fledge at around 12-14 weeks.

Conservation Status: Blue and Gold Macaws are listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN. However, they face threats due to habitat loss, illegal capture for the pet trade, and hunting for their feathers. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and combating illegal trade.

Blue and Gold Macaws are renowned for their stunning colors, intelligence, and playful personalities. They are highly sought after as pets due to their beauty and ability to learn tricks and mimic human speech. However, potential owners should consider the long lifespan and specific care requirements of these majestic birds before deciding to keep them as pets.

This image is © Chris Flees all rights reserved

Uploaded

May 26th, 2014