World’s Most Beautiful Parrots Tropical Birds
Hyacinth macaw: The largest parrot in the world
Published: May 30, 2024
One Earth’s “Species of the Week” series highlights the flagship species of each of the 844 unique ecoregions contained within Earth’s bioregions.
On the outskirts of the dense rainforests in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, lives a stunning parrot with brilliant, cobalt-blue feathers. The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest of the macaw species, and its powerful beak allows it to break open nuts from native palms and reseed its habitat.
Life in the wetlands
The largest parrot in the world by length, the hyacinth macaw measures one meter (3 ft 3 in) long from the tip of its tail to the top of its head. Only the flightless kakapo of New Zealand outweighs it at up to 3.5 kilograms. Hyacinth macaws reach a maximum of 1.7 kilograms (3 lb 12 oz).
Unlike most parrot species that prefer dense tropical rainforest habitats, hyacinth macaws are found in lightly forested areas like palm swamps and flooded grasslands. A significant part of the population lives in the Pantanal region of Brazil, the world’s largest tropical wetland area.
One powerful bite
Along with its striking blue plumage, the hyacinth macaw has distinct bright yellow feathers around the eyes and at the base and the corners of the beak, making it appear to have a perpetual grin. Looks can be deceiving, however, as their seemingly smiling beak has a powerful bite with the ability to apply more than 300 pounds of pressure per square inch.
Nuts from specific palm species such as Mucuja and bocaiuva palms make up most of the hyacinth macaw’s diet and where this intense beak strength is used. Their strong bites can also crack coconuts, large brazil nut pods, and even macadamia nuts.
Vital seed dispersers
As hyacinth macaws break open nuts and feed on the kernels inside, the seeds from these tree species can be spread throughout the forest as the birds fly. Since many other birds and animals do not have the jaw or muscle strength to crack open such tough shells, it is thought that hyacinth macaws play a vital role in dispersing such seeds, helping their ecosystem flourish.
Vocal parenting pairs
Hyacinth macaws are known to fly in pairs and constantly contact one another through vocalizations, even if they are on opposite sides of the forest. Breeding and nesting occur between July and December, with nests constructed in tree cavities or cliff faces.
Male hyacinth macaws attend to their female while she incubates the eggs, which lasts about a month. Chicks leave the nest around 110 days to explore but remain dependent on their parents until six months old.
Reliance on toucans
Perhaps one of the most well-known rainforest birds, the toucan, and hyacinth macaws have a unique relationship. While toucans are a primary predator of macaw eggs, most of the nests of these eggs would not exist without the toucans.
Toucans are the primary seed dispersers of Sterculia apetala, more commonly known as Panama or manduvi trees. In the Pantanal region, 90% of hyacinth macaw nests are constructed from manduvi trees, making them essential for reproduction.
Conservation efforts
When interacting with humans, hyacinth macaws have been described as “gentle giants” or the “Great Danes” of parrots with their calm, even-tempered dispositions. Yet, this charming nature has led to their trapping for the pet trade and has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild, in addition to habitat loss.
Now, protected by law in Brazil and Bolivia, commercial export of the species is banned. Furthermore, the Hyacinth Macaw Project in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul has carried out several conservation practices, including constructing artificial nests to help encourage mating.
Beautiful and charismatic, the hyacinth macaw displays some of the finest features nature offers, but to truly treasure this species, a paradigm shift in the thinking of humans must change. Wildlife must be kept and protected where it rightfully belongs for all to enjoy.
Interested in learning more about the species and bioregions of Southern America? Use One Earth’s interactive Navigator to explore bioregions around the world.
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Fascinating Facts About the Scarlet Macaw
When you think about parrots, you’re probably picturing the scarlet macaw with its brilliant red plumage, bright blue and yellow feathers, and creamy white face. Intelligent, sociable, and stunningly beautiful, it is the world’s most famous parrot species.
Aside from being frequently featured in TV shows and films, the scarlet macaw plays an important role in our ecosystem. For one, this neotropical parrot distributes seeds throughout its vast Central and South American range.
Join Paso Pacifico as we explore more fascinating facts about this extraordinary bird.
2) Quick Facts About the Scarlet Macaw
Get to know this gorgeous bird with these 9 quick facts:
1. Scarlet Macaws Are the Largest Parrots
These birds are the largest parrots in the world! Its subspecies, the cyanoptera macaw, can be as long as 36 inches from beak to tail.
2. They’re Visually Impressive
Scarlet macaws are fondly known as the rainbows of the rainforest. They have a striking plumage, which is predominantly red, with yellow and light blue feathers on the rump and tail. Around the eyes is a large patch of creamy white skin, which is mostly featherless.
Its subspecies, the cyanoptera macaw, is distinguished by its median and secondary wing coverts, which are tipped in blue. Additionally, it lacks the green band that separates the brilliant yellow from the blue hue.
3. They Have a Diverse Diet
These South American birds are omnivores that enjoy plants and meat, feasting heavily on bugs, snails, nectar, leaves, seeds, insects, nuts, and flowers.
Interestingly, they can digest toxic fruits that are lethal to other animals. This immunity is attributed to their habit of eating clay by the riverbanks, which neutralizes chemicals like tannins.
4. Ara Macaws Have a Powerful Curved Beaks
Scarlet macaws’ powerful curved beaks are used to crack open the husks of fruits and crush hard nuts and seeds for easy digestion.
But did you know that it has other uses? Their hooked and strong appendage—which packs enough force to split open coconut shells—helps them climb branches and defend themselves against predators.
5. Most Are Left-Footed
Scarlet macaws, including Ara macao cyanoptera, are left-footed. This preferential bias is because the right sides of their brains are more developed than the left. This is why they use their left feet to grasp, grab, and manipulate food while the right supports their bodies.
6. They’re Monogamous
Scarlet macaws are monogamous and remain dedicated to their mates for life. They show affection by touching their partners’ feet, licking each other’s faces, “kissing,” preening, and talking to each other.
In certain situations (like when the pair fails to reproduce or a mate gets lost in the wild), the other partner will mate with another macaw.
7. Scarlet Macaws Breed Every 1 to 2 Years
These parrots breed once every one to two years, though some pairs also mate year-round. Females typically produce 2 to 4 white and rounded eggs.
8. They Help Plant Trees
These neotropical birds are seed predators and seed dispersers. They can transport and disperse large fruits and seeds over long distances.
9. Scarlet Macaws Have Long Lifespans
Ara macaws have the longest lifespan among parrots. They can live up to 40 to 50 years in the wild. Researchers believe that their large brains may be the reason why they outlive most species in the animal kingdom.
Threats To the Scarlet Macaw
Though the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list classifies the Ara Macao’s numbers as Least Concern (LC), its numbers continue to decrease. Globally, there are only 20,000 to 50,000 left.
However . . .
When we consider its Mesoamerican subspecies, the Ara macao cyanoptera, the situation turns dire. Paso Pacifico estimates that there are fewer than 20 of them left in western Central America.
Here are the most common threats faced by the Ara macao cyanoptera:
Predation
Clay enables these parrots to enjoy immunity from the toxic fruits that are part of their diets. To ingest it, however, they have to fly to the riverside where they become easy prey for raptors like eagles, hawks, and falcons.
Quite often, these animals also take fledglings from their nests. Baby birds are generally well-camouflaged in the thick, dense foliage of the rainforests. However, they are threatened by arboreal predators like snakes, toucans, forest falcons, monkeys, and other small carnivorous animals. Sometimes, they are also hunted by large cats like jaguars.
Pet Trading
The scarlet macaw is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Hence, their trade is prohibited or tightly controlled, except in rare cases like scientific research.
Though illegal, poaching remains the largest threat to the species based on information from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The demand is driven by people who insist on keeping them as pets. They’re also hunted for food and their colorful feathers.
A single ara macao cyanoptera can fetch as much as $1,000 on the black market.
Habitat Loss
Their numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss, the result of agricultural encroachment, climate change, industrial development, the harvesting of timber, road network expansion, etc.
Poachers sometimes cut down trees to get to the eggs or hatchlings, which exacerbates the problem.
What Can We Do To Save the Scarlet Macaw Bird?
There’s a lot we can do to help preserve the species and their vital place in our ecosystems.
Create Awareness About Scarlet Macaws
While people are often aware of the scarlet macaw’s existence, not enough know about its diminishing population. The first and crucial step to protecting them is spreading the word.
Tell people about their precarious situation, their important roles as seed dispersers, and how they help maintain forest biodiversity. This will encourage discussion and inspire action.
Don’t Keep Them as Pets
Earlier in this post, we mentioned that keeping these birds as pets fuels poaching activities. One of the easiest ways to protect them is not to buy them.
In addition, keeping birds as pets is cruel. Away from their natural environments, their wings are often clipped and they are more likely to engage in destructive behavior that can lead to poor health and death.
Save Their Natural Habitats
Scarlet macaws, like the Ara macao cyanoptera, typically live in large trees that are found in undisturbed tropical forests. It’s thus important to conserve and restore their habitats through targeted activities.
- Localized efforts are more effective than initiatives controlled by outside organizations.
- We must call on decision-makers to enact policies and other measures that safeguard the species.
- Forest restoration creates more habitats and absorbs more carbon.
- Ecotourism spreads awareness while generating funds that can be used to preserve them.
Donating to organizations that are dedicated to saving the habitats of scarlet macaws is also an immense help.
Conduct Breeding and Reintroduction Programs
Captive breeding and reintroduction programs ensure the survival of scarlet macaw species that are nearing extinction. It entails keeping the birds in captivity so they can reproduce with human assistance.
Once grown, they are released into the wild so they can thrive and continue multiplying. The overall goal is for scarlet macaws to eventually have self-sustaining populations.
Monitor Populations in Their Natural Habitats
Tracking scarlet macaw populations in their natural environments is one of Paso Pacifico’s main conservation activities. From the January to April nesting season, we monitor and protect their nests as well as conduct health checkups.
Through our efforts in the Cosigüina peninsula in Nicaragua, one of the last places where wild cyanoptera scarlet macaws can be found, we’ve been able to grow its local numbers by 20%.
Save the Ara Macao Cyanoptera With Paso Pacifico
Paso Pacifico employs a three-pronged approach to conserving cyanoptera scarlet macaws: protecting their nests, educating young children, and offering the local community economic benefits. It’s a promising framework but we need your help to continue the progress we’ve made.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation to Paso Pacifico’s Saving Cyanoptera Macaws Program. With your help, we can help these endangered birds thrive in the wild again.
Filed Under: Wildlife Conservation
- Species moluccanus Family Psittaculidae Order Psittaciformes Class Aves Subphylum Vertebrata Phylum Chordata Kingdom Animalia
- Size Range28 cm to 32 cm
The Rainbow Lorikeet was abundant around Sydney until the late 19th century, but was rare in Sydney between then and 1950. It is now highly abundant again across Sydney.
Identification
The Rainbow Lorikeet is unmistakable with its bright red beak and colourful plumage. Both sexes look alike, with a blue (mauve) head and belly, green wings, tail and back, and an orange/yellow breast. They are often seen in loud and fast-moving flocks, or in communal roosts at dusk.
© Australian Museum
Habitat
The Rainbow Lorikeet is found in a wide range of treed habitats including rainforest and woodlands, as well as in well-treed urban areas.
Distribution
The Rainbow Lorikeet occurs in coastal regions across northern and eastern Australia, with a local population in Perth (Western Australia), initiated from aviary releases.
Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
Seasonality
Largely sedentary with some nomadic movements in response to seasonal flowering or fruiting of plants.
Feeding and diet
The Rainbow Lorikeet mostly forages on the flowers of shrubs or trees to harvest nectar and pollen, but also eats fruits, seeds and some insects.
Communication
Frequent screeching and chattering.
Breeding behaviours
The eggs of the Rainbow Lorikeet are laid on chewed, decayed wood, usually in a hollow limb of a eucalypt tree. Both sexes prepare the nest cavity and feed the young, but only the female incubates the eggs.
- Breeding Season: June to January
- Clutch size: 2
- Incubation: 23 days
- Time in nest: 45 days
Conservation status
The Rainbow Lorikeet appears to have benefited from artificial feeding stations and prolific-fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.
The Rainbow Lorikeet has acclimatised well to urbanisation and is commonly encountered in well-treed suburbs.
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Eclectus Parrot: Bird Species Profile
Temperament, Diet, and Care Tips
By
Updated on 09/28/23
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In This Article
- Origin and History
- Temperament
- Speech and Vocalizations
- Colors and Markings
- Care
- Common Health Problems
- Diet and Nutrition
- Exercise
- Where to Adopt or Buy
- More Pet Bird Species and Further Research
- FAQ
Charming, eye-catching, and intelligent, eclectus parrots are captivating birds that make impressive pets. Their beautiful colors, talking ability, and lovable personalities have established this bird as one of the most popular pet parrots. This bird is one of the larger parrot species, and it does require the right owner with plenty of time and space to house this bird.
Species Overview
Common Names: Eclectus parrot, Solomon Island eclectus parrot, Grand eclectus parrot, yellow-sided eclectus parrot, Vosmaeri eclectus parrot, blue-bellied eclectus parrot, red-sided eclectus parrot, dusky eclectus parrot
Scientific Name: Eclectus roratus
Adult Size: 17 and 20 inches, weighing 13 to 18 ounces
Life Expectancy: 30 to 50 years
Origin and History
Eclectus parrots live in tropical rainforests and originated in the Solomon Islands. Wild populations also live in northeastern Australia, Indonesian, the Moluccas, and New Guinea. Its name “eclectus” is derived from the word “eclectic” since the male and female species look so different.
In their native monsoon forests, eclectus nest high up in the trees. They usually manage to find a deep nest hole in a tree where they can lay their eggs and raise a family.
There are several eclectus parrot subspecies. The Solomon Island eclectus is the most common one in the pet trade.
Temperament
The eclectus is a very friendly and intelligent bird species described as gentle, tranquil, and caring. Eclectus parrots are also affectionate but are not very cuddly. Most thrive best when socialization is part of their daily routine.1 They cherish the time they spend interacting with their families. They are also sensitive and can quickly become stressed if they feel neglected.
This bird will learn the routine and what to expect in your household. They enjoy the comings and goings, as well as being a part of it.
Around 18 months of age, the birds begin to reach sexual maturity. Sometimes this brings with it some aggression or the instinct to “feed” whatever is nearby. You may notice some naughty nipping behavior. This period is called bluffing, and it is best to ignore it and turn to distraction techniques instead of reinforcing it. With time, they pass through the phase and learn what’s acceptable.
While both the males and females of the species make lovely pets, many owners claim that males tend to be a bit more trainable and agreeable. On the flip side, females may be less dependent on their owners and tend to handle stress better. Females may also be bossier and more aggressive than a male, particularly during breeding. Even in captivity, a female’s nesting instincts remain strong. You might find her trying to nest in secluded areas of your home.
Speech and Vocalizations
Eclectus parrots join Amazons and African greys as being one of the best species for training to speak. They are quick to learn almost anything you want to teach them. Many people find them to be on the quieter side when compared to other parrots. They have a distinctive honk and other vocalizations that can be amusing the first few times, but loud and startling.
How to Teach Your Pet Bird to Talk
Eclectus Parrot Colors and Markings
Eclectus are known as sexually dimorphic, meaning that you can tell the sex of the bird by its physical characteristics. Male eclectus birds are a brilliant emerald green color with bright orange beaks and splashes of red and blue under their wings. By contrast, the females are mostly bright red with black beaks and deep purple markings on their chests and tails. Before the early 20th century, since the male and female birds looked so different, they were thought to be entirely two different species.
Instead of distinct lines found on many bird’s feathers, eclectus feathers seem to blend. Their coloring makes for brilliant camouflage in their native habitat; you can often hear them before you can see them.
Caring for an Eclectus Parrot
Most eclectus birds can live in a multiple bird household, but some have jealous tendencies. Make sure to give an eclectus your undivided time and attention when introducing your eclectus or any new bird or your aviary.
An eclectus lives best in an aviary—11 feet long by 3 foot wide and 7 feet high—especially if you keep a pair. These birds like to fly, climb, and stay busy. If you do not have room for an aviary, then make sure the cage you provide is at the minimum 2 feet long by 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
This species can be a good fit for households with children as they have a gentle nature. However, they don’t like to be startled and prefer a calm environment. They are not big fans of constant loud noises like barking, crying, or screaming. Thus, it’s essential to consider if your family dynamic is a good match for the bird.
Common Health Problems
An eclectus is unique in that these birds sometimes exhibit toe-tapping and wing-flipping. This behavior is similar to feather plucking, which is a common issue with parrots that feel neglected. However, when all three of these actions occur in an eclectus, it can be a sign of a severe health issue. Probable causes include stress and nutritional deficiencies caused by excess vitamins and minerals (like vitamin A), fortified foods, or artificial ingredients as well as eating foreign objects like beads. It’s vital to see an avian vet right away.
Other health conditions that an eclectus is prone to getting include:
- Avian polyomavirus, an infection that causes skin tumors
- Constricted toe syndrome, a condition that causes circulation to be cut off to the bird’s toe
- Psittacine beak and feather disease, a viral immune system disease
Diet and Nutrition
In the wild, these birds prefer pomegranate, papaya, and figs, though they’ll also eat flowers, buds on trees, and a few seeds. When kept as a pet, their diet must include fresh fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Cooked pasta or grain bake—a homemade casserole just for birds—will ensure they get all the necessary carbs.
The eclectus has a specialized digestive tract that is different from many other bird species. This bird needs to be fed a diet high in fiber and low in fat. It’s also best to avoid too many vitamin and mineral supplements, which could lead to digestive tumors or abnormal behavior.
Warning
Avoid feeding parrot mixes that contain artificial dyes, flavorings, or preservatives. These additives could cause your pet to lose their beautiful color and may even be toxic for this sensitive species.
An eclectus’ daily meal should be about 80 percent fruits and vegetables—the rest can be parrot pellets. Give seeds and nuts as occasional treats. Feed this bird twice a day, once upon rising, and 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Offer 1 cup of fruits and vegetables and 1/3 cup of parrot mix at each feeding.
Safe Vegetables for Pet Birds to Eat
Exercise
The eclectus are active birds and need plenty of room to exercise. They should have access to a large play stand and a bird-safe area for climbing and exploring. At the very least, provide an hour of free flight time before breakfast and another hour of free flight time before dinner.
You’ll also want to provide these birds many perches of different materials and diameters, so their feet remain healthy. A climbing ladder, swings, and a slew of fun toys to beat up and chew on will also make the eclectus happy.
If provided with enough stimulation, they do a better job than many parrots at keeping themselves occupied when you’re not around. The more challenges you can give these smart birds, the better.
Pros
- Social, affectionate, and loves attention
- Intelligent and a great talking parrot
- Quieter parrot than the other talking species
Cons
- Needs an aviary or large cage to thrive
- Does not like chaotic environments or constant loud sounds
- Not a cuddly bird
Where to Adopt or Buy an Eclectus Parrot
Potential owners should spend time with several different birds, if possible, to find the one with a matching personality. Eclectus parrots are not as common as others, so you may have to seek out a specialty pet shop or breeder.
On average, breeders sell eclectus parrots from $1,000 to $3,000. Online rescues, adoption organizations, and breeders where you can find eclectus parrots include:
Look for a bird that is bright, alert, and active. Make sure the breeder is knowledgeable about their birds and is forthcoming about their breeding practices and the origin of their birds. They should provide you with helpful information for raising eclectus parrots and tell you about the bird’s daily routine.
More Pet Bird Species and Further Research
If you are interested in similar species, check out:
- Blue and Gold Macaw Species Profile
- African Grey Parrot Species Profile
- Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot Species Profile
Otherwise, check out all of our other parrot species profiles.
