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Eclectus
Eclectus
Billy & Bubbette
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Ara ararauna
Hatch date: 1994
Hatch date: 2000
Age: 30
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Sex: Female
2023/2024 Sponsors:
Inas R.
Nicole F.
Elizabeth J.
Inas R.
Anna P.
Elizabeth J.
Population Size
more than 10,000
Lifespan
100 years
Length
81-91cm
An enormous parrot native to the lowland rainforests of South America, the Blue-and-yellow macaw is instantly recognizable for its distinct colouration, long tail and noisy calls. With a wingspan around 3 1/2 feet, its easy to understand why these birds spend most of their life in the sky or among the canopy.
Conservation Status
Population Size
Decreasing
Threats
Despite being classified as a species of Least Concern, Blue-and-yellow macaw numbers are declining due to continued deforestation and destruction of their habitat. Based on current trends of deforestation in the Amazon it is predicted that these birds will lose 21-34% of of their habitat in the next 38 years. These birds are also heavily traded and are the second most traded animal in South America.
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Lifestyle & Ecological Role
Just as we play an important role in the health of our society so do animals in maintaining the health of the ecosystems they live in. As mainly seed and fruit eaters macaws transport seeds away from their mother trees to different parts of the forest where they can take root and grow. By dispersing seeds macaws help young plants survive and keep forests healthy and resilient to change.
Did you know...
That macaws blush! Scientists believe that blushing, along with facial feather fluffing is a way for macaws to communicate their emotions. Colour is usually a key component in visual communication systems and represents the beginning of studies exploring how parrots communicate with 'facial expressions'.
That the name macaw comes from the Porteguese word for 'macau' which was likely derived from the Brazilian Tupi word 'macavuana' for a type of palm tree, the fruit of which the macaws like to eat.