Hyacinth+Macaw

 **H** yacinth Macaw (//Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus//), with up to 100 cm from the beak to the tip of the tail in length and 1.2-1.7 kg in weight, is the largest flying parrot species. They are easily identified by their bright cobalt blue colour and yellow patches around the eyes and the black beak. They are native to South America but due to their popularity as pets their population has diminished. The Hyacinth Macaw is currently considered as an endangered species.

**Distribution and habitat**

 The native range of t he Hyacinth Macaw includes southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. There are only three known distinct Hyacinth Macaw populations in South America and even though the outline of the range has remained more or less unchanged, the number of individuals has been reducing. Wild population estimates vary; recent estimates have ranged from 2,500 to 5,000 individuals.

Its preferred habitats vary from palm swamps and grassy marshes to moist forests. The bird avoids heavily forested areas but it can be found in riverside tropical rain forests.

**Diet** The Hyacinth Macaw has an exceptionally strong beak which allows it to eat hard nuts and seeds, even coconuts. In addition, it eats palm nuts, fruits and all kinds of vegetables. Sometimes Macaws fly very long distances in  search of food, which is why their diet should contain a lot of energy. Hyacinth Macaw as a pet has the same kind of nutrition as in the wild – it is important to feed them regularly and use only high quality food.



**Reproduction**

Hyacinth Macaws form strong pair bonds that sometimes last for life. Usually they nest in existing holes: hollow trunks, trees and cliffs are the most common places. Typically a Macaw lays one to three eggs but the survival of more than one fledgling is rare. The eggs are incubated for 27-30 days and a fledgling stays with its parents until it is three to six months old. A Hyacinth Macaw becomes fully mature at seven years of age.

**Conservation**

The illegal pet trade and habitat loss are the main reasons for Hyacinth Macaw's endangerment; according to an estimation, 10,000 individuals were taken from the wild in the 1980s. Today the Hyacinth Macaw is protected by law in Brazil and its international trade has been forbidden. Numerous studies, projects and conservation initiatives in Brazil have carried out vital research results and succeeded to create several artificial nests. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature is also involved in the conservation of this truly amazing bird.

 **Did you know? **


 * The Hyacinth Macaw can live up to 80 years in captivity.
 * Macaws can eat some poisonous seeds that no other animal is able to digest.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Its strong beak could tear apart a wrought-iron cage.

[|Arkive: Hyacinth Macaw] [|Avianweb: Hyacinthine Macaw] [|Bagheera: Blue Hyacinth Macaw] [|Hyacinthmacaw.org]
 * Sources**

Charlotta, Susanna, Tuija & Rosa