Hyacinth Macaw

Entirely deep cobalt-blue feathers. They have distinct bright yellow rings around their eyes and a yellow lappet at the base of the lower mandible. No significant plumage difference between sexes or ages, though juveniles may have shorter tails.

Massive size, uniform deep blue plumage, large black beak, and prominent bright yellow eye-rings and chin patches.

Length: 100 cm (3.3 ft); Wingspan: 120-140 cm (3.9-4.6 ft); Weight: 1.2-1.7 kg (2.6-3.7 lbs)

Loud, harsh, guttural 'kraaa-aaa' screeches and deep croaks that can carry for long distances.

Primarily specialist feeders on nuts from specific palm trees (like Acrocomia aculeata and Attalea phalerata). Their powerful beaks can exert over 1200 psi.

Semi-open habitats including palm swamps (veredas), wooded savannas (Cerrado), and seasonally flooded grasslands (Pantanal).

Non-migratory resident; but they may move locally based on the seasonal availability of food and water.

Nests in natural tree cavities (principally the Manduvi tree) or on cliff faces. They lay 2 eggs, but usually only one chick survives. The breeding season typically runs from July to December.

Lear's Macaw (smaller, greenish tint to blue, different shaped yellow patch) and the likely extinct Glaucous Macaw (paler, more turquoise/greyish).

Acts as a primary seed disperser and a 'keystone' species in its environment, specifically for various palm species whose hard nuts they are one of the few animals capable of cracking.

Vulnerable (IUCN); population is decreasing due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Look for them in the Pantanal region of Brazil at dawn or dusk when they are most active. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups near stands of palm trees.

They are the longest species of parrot in the world. Interestingly, they sometimes eat palm nuts that have passed through the digestive tract of cattle, which softens the outer coating of the nut.