Common Name: Blue and Yellow Macaw; Blue and Gold Macaw

Scientific Name: Ara ararauna (Linnaeus, 1758)

Physical Description: These birds have a wing span of 104 -114cm, with a length of 81 – 91.5cm. They are known for their vibrant colours. The feathers of the wing, tail and back are blue, while the lower body is yellow; their head consists of green feathers. The majority of the facial area is white while their beaks and throat are black.

Behaviour: Ara ararauna form monogamous pairs for life and congregate to form flocks when foraging during the early morning. Their diet consists of mainly seeds, nuts and fruits. They have been observed consuming mineral rich clay near riverbanks to assist in digestion. Ara ararauna avoid predation by nesting in the cavities of tall trees. These birds communicate via loud vocalisations during roosting and feeding.

Distribution/Range: The Blue and Gold Macaw occurs in subtropical and tropical forests, woodlands and savannas in South America and only in Panama in Central America. These birds were extirpated from Trinidad in the late 1960’s but the species has been successfully reintroduced in the Nariva Swamp. Conservation efforts are ongoing. These birds are usually found in forests located in riparian or swampy areas.

Cultural Significance: Blue and Gold Macaws are kept as pets due to their vivid plumage, intelligence and vocal capabilities.

Threats: The main threats to these birds include habitat destruction as well as illegal pet trade, which can often result in death of adult birds to obtain fledglings.

Legal Status: Ara ararauna is listed as a critically endangered species under the Draft Forest Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation Bill.

References:

Encyclopaedia of Life. 2012. Ara ararauna Blue and yellow Macaw. Accessed January 2015, http://eol.org/pages/1177961/details.

BirdLife International. 2015. “Species factsheet: Ara ararauna.” Accessed January 2015, http://www.birdlife.org on 28/01/2015.

BirdLife International 2012. “Ara ararauna.” The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Accessed January 2015, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/22685539/0