Hyacinth Macaw
(Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
Amazon River and Flood Forests
STATISTICS
Height up to
100 cm
Weight up to
1.7 kgs
Lifespan
38.8 years
Wingspan
127 cm
Strong Beak - Flies Vast Distances
A parrot native to central and eastern South America, the Hyacinth Macaw is longer and larger than any other flying species of parrot. Its feathers are entirely blue except for splashes of yellow accenting around its eyes and mouth. It can also be identified by its long and pointed tail.
Traveling vast distances to find the ripest food, the Hyacinth Macaw has a diet that consists mainly of Brazil nuts, which it is able to effortlessly crack with its strong beak. The bird also possesses a dry, smooth tongue with a bone inside of it, which acts as an effective tool for tapping into fruits. Another favorite food, the acuri nut, is so hard to crack that the Hyacinth Macaw does not feed on it until it has passed through the digestive system of cattle.
BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT
Seed Disperser
THREATS
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Large scale illegal trade in the species.
Hunting
Local hunting for food and feathers.
Habitat Loss
Due to cattle-ranching, mechanized agriculture, and hydroelectric power plant development.
6,500
Left in the Wild
Sources: IUCN Red List, Animal Diversity, EOL, Wikipedia
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