Information about Hyacinth Macaw

Hyacinth Macaw
Conservation status
Endangered
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Genus: Anodorhynchus Species: A. hyacinthinus
Binomial name
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (Latham, 1790)

Native to the forests of central South America, the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species in the world, though the flightless Kakapo of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5kg. In terms of length it is larger than any other species of parrot. Their unique size, color, and markings make the all-blue Hyacinth Macaw one of the most recognized species of macaw. Their popularity as pets has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild. Birds in captivity fetch a price of around $9,000-$12,000 US.

Description

These birds grow to a total length of 100 cm and weigh 1.4-1.7 kg. The wingspan is 130-150 cm. They have a beak pressure that can easily disassemble the bars of a welded wrought iron cage in a short time (only the Green-winged Macaw can match its beak strength). This powerful beak is ideal for its favorite foods, which include hard nuts and seeds that would otherwise be inaccessible. Their strong beaks are even able to crack coconuts and macadamia nuts. In addition, they eat fruits and other vegetable matter. Pine nuts are also one of the most popular foods. There are eight species of palm that are central to their diet. They are generally messy eaters.

The Hyacinth Macaw has a solid blue body of feathers, similar to the color of indigo. It has a solid black beak with bright yellow along the sides of the lower part of the beak and circling its solid dark eyes. Unlike other species of macaw, it does not have a white patch of featherless skin around the eye. The female and male are nearly indistinguishable, although the female is typically a bit more slender.

Reproduction

These birds nest in existing holes in trees. The clutch size is one or two eggs, although usually only one fledgling survives as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. Juveniles stay with their parents until they are six months old. They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age.

Distribution and habitat

The Hyacinth Macaw survives today in three known distinct populations in South America: southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. It is possible that smaller, fragmented populations occur in other areas of its range. Its habitat includes riverside tropical rain forests and palm swamps.

Conservation

The Hyacinth Macaw is considered an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and by the use of their feathers by the Kayapo Indians of Gorotire in southern Brazil. These Indians use the feathers to make headdresses and other baubles for the tourist trade. Also, like many other animals, their habitat is being reduced by development. Annual grass fires set by gauchos can destroy nest trees.

The Minnesota Zoo with BioBrasil ^[1] and World Wildlife Fund^[2] are involved in Hyacinth Macaw conservation.

Care

Although the Hyacinth Macaw is the largest flying parrot, it is manageable to have one as a pet. While all macaws require much effort put in by the owner it is relatively easy to please a Hyacinth. The cage should be very large. At least 40 inches in depth, 5 feet tall, and 4 feet wide. Also, the animal's large beak can easily tear apart a standard wire birdcage. It is important that you get a thick, stainless steel one. Because of this breed's intelligence, training should be no problem. An untrained macaw can cause much damage, so it is very important to have time in the day to train it. Capable trainers can even let birds loose and have it fly back to you. Do not do this if the bird has no form of identification. A bird of this size should not be kept in the cage but let to roam free in the house for certain periods of time. In the wild the bird eats fruit, leaves, and nuts. Fresh fruits and vegetables from your grocer should suffice. The bird's hard beak is used for cracking the shell of a native palm in Brazil. These nuts may be difficult to obtain in other countries, so with every meal the bird should get a small portion of the nut mix below. It is crucial to have macadamia, brazil or coconut because they are high in fat.

• 15% filberts,
• 15% almonds,
• 15% brazils,
• 15% walnuts,
• 10% coconut,
• 30% macadamia

Personality

Macaws are intelligent, social and kind creatures. They are often called the 'gentle giants' of the macaw family. Although they are not as vocal as other macaws they do have the capability to learn human vocabulary, but do not speak to the same extent as some other parrot species. This can also be looked as a plus because they are not as noisy. A lone macaw requires more human attention – meaning that it may be preferable own two of the same species. Owning two macaws is more manageable than owning a lone bird because the birds will be easier to train, less destructive and more social. It may be best to have breeding pairs as these birds are rare in the wild and rare in captivity with their numbers dwindling. Any birds should be looked on as future breeding stock. These macaws will make a loving addition to any family. Despite their large beak, their calm demeanour makes them not the least bit aggressive, if handled correctly. Their sparkling personality is much pursued by bird lovers.

Media

Pictures

A Hyacinth macaw at Disney's Animal Kingdom			At Wild Animal Park San Diego

Video

Notes

Further reading

• BirdLife International (2004). Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 10 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is endangered, and the criteria used
• del Hoyo et al., 1997. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 4.
• Caldas, Sergio T. and L Candiasani. 2005. Arara-Azul. DBA Dórea Books and Art, São Paulo, São Paulo.

External links

• The Blue Macaws website
• Hyacinth Macaw entry from Earlham College
• How the Hyacinth Macaw got its Markings - a folk tale