Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Vibrant blue upperparts (wings and tail) and golden-yellow underparts. It has a green forehead and a white face with fine black feather lines forming a pattern around the eyes. The throat is black. Sexes are monomorphic (look identical).

Large size, blue back, yellow belly, green cap, white face with black lines, and a massive black hooked beak.

Length: 76–86 cm (30–34 in); Wingspan: 102–114 cm (40–45 in); Weight: 900–1500 g.

A very loud, harsh, and gutteral 'rrak-rrak-rrak'. They are extremely noisy during flight.

Fruits, nuts, and seeds. They use their strong beaks to crack open hard shells. They also visit clay licks to neutralize toxins in their diet.

Humid lowland forests, swamp forests, and palm savannas.

Non-migratory resident, though they may move locally to follow seasonal food or water availability.

Nests in cavities, usually in dead palm trees. They typically lay 2-3 eggs, with the female incubating while the male brings food.

Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), which has a teal throat patch rather than black and is much rarer and localized.

Acts as a primary seed disperser for various rainforest trees and palms, helping to maintain forest diversity.

Least Concern (IUCN), but populations are declining due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Look for them near riverbanks or palm groves. They are easiest to find by listening for their loud, raucous calls while they fly in pairs across the canopy.

They are known for their extreme longevity, often living 50-60 years or more. They are also highly intelligent and are capable of mimicking human speech in captivity.