General Information

The Hyacinth Macaw is native to the forests of Central South America. It is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species in the world. Because of their unique size, color, and markings, the Hyacinth Macaw is the most recognizable species of their kind.

Physical Description

These birds grow up to a length of 100 cm and can weigh 2-2.5 lbs. Their typical wingspan is 130-150 cm. The Hyacinth Macaw has a deep cobalt blue body of feathers with a dark gray undersurface on their flight and tail feathers. Around the eyes and beak the bird has a deep golden colored eye rind, which makes a beautiful contrast with the rich blue plumage. It has a huge gray to black bill, which is deeply curved and sharply pointed. The Hyacinth has a beak strength that could easily chew through the bars of a welded wrought iron cage in a small amount of time. The only other parrot that can even match its beak strength is the green-winged macaw.

Diet

The Hyacinth Macaw's incredible beak strength comes in handy when eating its favorite foods which include hard nuts and seeds that would otherwise be unattainable if not for its beak strength. Their beaks can also crack open coconuts, but they also enjoy eating soft fruits, vegetables and clay as well.

Habitat

The Hyacinth Macaw lives in central northeastern and southwestern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and northeastern Paraguay.  They are currently rare to endangered and, in the wild, live in lightly forested areas in the seasonally flooded grasslands of Brazil and Bolivia's Pantanal.

Reproduction

Hyacinths live in the wild as mated pairs and immediate families as well. They are seasonal breeders, breeding after each rainy season, which is normally from August to December. Clutches normally consist of about two eggs.