Description of the Blue and Yellow Macaw Parrot

The blue and yellow macaw, sometimes referred to as the blue and gold macaw, is a member of the parrot order Psittaciformes. Macaws are highly intelligent and can learn to say several words in captivity. In the wild, they form an important part of the ecosystem and are endangered in some countries, including Trinidad and Paraguay. There is also at least one flock of blue and yellow macaws living in Miami, Florida.

  1. Physical Description

    • Unlike many other bird species, blue and yellow macaws do not vary greatly from one another in appearance. They have orange or yellow chests with blue backs. The tops of their wings are blue and the undersides are yellow. Their faces are white with a black beak and most have a small tuft of green fur on their foreheads. Adults are 28 to 35-inches long and normally weigh two to three pounds.

    Habitat

    • Blue and gold macaws are tropical birds that live in treetops in the rainforest. They are not internationally endangered. However, habitat destruction is a threat to these birds in much of South America, and they are on the verge of extinction in Paraguay.

    Behavior

    • Blue and yellow macaws mate for life. Both male and female macaws care for their young and will aggressively protect their nests and eggs. Though these birds live in flocks, the flocks are egalitarian with no clear leader. Members of the flock make loud squawking calls to communicate with other birds. They are highly intelligent and are capable of learning through imitation. Macaws require variety in their diet and feed on fruit, nuts, seeds and small quantities of meat.

    Macaws as Pets

    • Macaws can be excellent pets for people equipped to meet their needs. They bond closely with their owners and therefore require substantial time and attention. They can learn to say several words and often seem to understand the meanings of the words. During the spring, which is mating season in the wild, macaws may become aggressive. Their destructive chewing is a natural instinct that cannot be easily trained away. All macaws frequently squawk loudly.