What do you know about the Blue and Gold Macaw?

The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara arauanas) can also be referred to as the Blue and Yellow Macaw or the Yellow Breasted Macaw. Ara arauanas are native to South and Central America where they inhabit the tropics, subtropics and woodlands (range; Venezuela, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolvia). They can be mainly found in rain forests, swamps and riparian areas.

Physical Description

These macaws are vibrantly coloured! Dorsal aspect; blue on their back and wings, cranial aspect; small amounts of green feathers placed at the top of the head, ventral aspect; they have bright yellow-orange feathers on their under-wing converts and breast region. The facial area consists of bare skin with several black feather lines making a pattern around their eyes.

The above photo was taken at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago. You can admire the beauty of the Blue and Gold Macaw (left) and the Green-winged Macaw (right).

How big can Blue and Gold Macaws get?

Their size range is between 32 inches to 36 inches starting at the tip of the beak to the end of their tail feathers! Additionally, their wingspan ranges from 41 inched to 45 inches! Their weight ranges from 1.5lbs to 3lbs.

Life Span

This wonderous Macaw can live up to 50-60 years. They can usually reach the age of sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years of age. There life span has been decreased due to many factors. The most prominent factor that has affected their longevity would be the increase in the illegal wildlife trading business. The animals usually suffer not only physical trauma both also psychological trauma as well.

Diet

The Blue-and- yellow Macaw are herbivores. They usually eat seeds, nuts and fruits which may include sunflower seeds, pecans, and peanuts. Using their powerful beak, they crack open the shells to obtain the seeds. When feeding they quietly do so on top of the forest canopy.

The above photo was taken at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago. In this photo you can see the Blue and Gold Macaw (right) and a Green-winged Macaw (left) sharing a ripe, juicy mango!

Behaviour

Being in pairs is a most common behaviour of theirs’. They usually join small groups of other macaws for foraging and, they become noisy as well. This occurs at the early mornings of the day. They are also great at mimics! An important point to note as well is that Blue-and-yellow macaws are very alert and wary of danger. If they sense that danger may occur, they start screeching loudly as a signal and simply fly away.

Reproduction

Blue-and-yellow Macaws are monogamous animals which means they find a mate and pair for life! They reach maturity at the age of 3-4 years. The females are capable of laying 2-3 eggs at a time. The young is born blind and featherless. After hatching, within the first week of life, the mother will feed via regurgitation and as the young matures the father will start providing food source. The parent pair of macaws is extremely protective over their young and without hesitation will show utmost aggression!

The above photo was taken at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago. This pair of Blue and Gold Macaws are enjoying some yummy watermelon! Delish!

Conservation Status

Under the IUCN Red List, the Blue and Gold Macaw is categorized as "Least Concern". However, their species is considered extinct in Trinidad & Tobago. Within in period of 1999-2004 wild macaws were captured in Guyana and was brought into Trinidad to encourage mating and reproduction of the species. In return, these macaws acclimatized and mated with the few existing macaws our country had. As a result, this boosted the population of Blue and Golds in Trinidad. Macaws love to rest and feed silently on tall forest canopies.

Alas, because of poaching, pollution, illegal wildlife pet trade and habitat destruction, this beautiful species is once more being driven into extinction in our country, Some macaws are captured young and are sold only to be kept surrounded by a wire cage, thrown at with sunflower seeds and occasionally fruits with little to no space to spread their magnificent wings and fly. Seeing the Blue and Gold Macaw glide through the blue skies has now become extremely rare.