Blue & Gold Macaw
Ara ararauna
Class
Aves
Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Psittacidae
Aves
Psittaciformes
Psittacidae
Eastern Panama in Central America through South America
Length: 30 - 37 in
Wingspan: 41 - 45 in
Weight: 2 -4 lbs
Forests and tall trees growing in swamps and along waterways
Clutch of 1 - 2 eggs
Incubation: 24 - 26 days
Seeds, fruits, nuts, and vegetable matter
Least Concern
Blue and gold macaws are more alert and intelligent than other species of macaws. They are very inquiring and mischievous. Their bare face is white, turning pink in excited birds and wrinkled as they age.
These birds are good talkers but have ear splitting voices. Macaws are able to mimic human voices. When disturbed, these bright birds screech loudly and circle overhead with their long tails streaming. Their beak can bite down with 300 pounds of pressure.
Due to their popularity in the pet trade, they have become extinct in several areas from nestlings being removed from their natural habitats. Parent birds often die as they try to protect their young. They also face threats from loss of habitat.
Don't Buy Wild-Caught Animals. If you are considering owning an exotic pet, ensure it is certified captive-bred. Purchasing wild-caught animals directly funds the illegal poaching networks that deplete wild populations. Responsible breeders should provide documentation of the animal's origin.
Be a Responsible Consumer: Reduce your consumption of products linked to deforestation in the Amazon and other South American forests.
Jewel Hatched June 14, 2001
Ruba Hatched 2000
Molly Hatched May 21, 2003