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Blue and Gold Macaw


Bird Type: Parrots & Parakeets

Scientific Name: Ara ararauna

IUCN World Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN

These charismatic birds are very intelligent, social animals with complex social behaviour and vocalisations. It is estimated that they have the learning capacity of children aged between 3 and 5 years old.

In the wild, they congregate in large flocks of 30 or more birds. This macaw can grow up to 85cm in length and can live for up to 60 years in captivity. They have very powerful jaws, perfect for crushing nuts and seeds.

They make popular pets and the species has been heavily traded with over 50,000 individuals taken from the wild in the last 30 years.

Where in the world?

These macaws are native to Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.

Threats in the wild


They are naturally found in subtropical and tropical forests, woodlands and savannas. They nest almost exclusively in dead palms high above the ground.


Their natural diet consists of lots of fruits, leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts,
leaves and bark.


These birds are monogamous which means they mate for life. Females lay 2-3 eggs which they incubate for about 28 days. When chicks hatch, they are blind and featherless and completely dependent on their
parents for survival.