Blue-and Gold-Macaw

Blue and Gold Macaws, also known as blue-and-yellow macaws, are beautiful, brilliantly colored members of the parrot family: Psittacidae. These macaws mate for life, and are known for their ability to talk and bond with humans. Both males and females care for the young and aggressively protect their family. When flying, Macaw pairs fly very close to each other.

These birds sport vibrant, bright aqua-blue feathers on the top of their bodies, yellow/gold plumage on the underside of their bodies, and a splash of lime green colored feathers on the top of their heads. Blue and Gold Macaws are known as some of the largest birds in the parrot family.

Macaws boast large, powerful beaks that easily crack nuts and seeds, while their dry, scaly tongues have a bone inside them that makes them an effective tool for tapping into fruits. Macaws also have gripping toes that they use to latch onto branches and to grab, hold, and examine items – having two toes facing forward and two toes facing backward is called a “zygodactyl” foot.

When feeding, they allow some seeds to drop to the forest floor which allows for more forest growth. The biggest threat to these birds is the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest as well as poaching and the illegal pet trade. The Amazon rainforest is home to many animals and is a habitat that needs to be conserved.

Come say ‘hello!’ to Rico, our Male Blue and Gold Macaw!

Diet: The Macaw feeds on nuts and fruit in the trees, as well as insects.