Hyacinth Macaw
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Genus: Anodorhynchus Species: A. hyacinthinus
Binomial name
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (Latham, 1790)

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest species in the macaw family. Its unique size, color, and markings make the Hyacinth Macaw one of the most popular species of macaw among bird lovers and caretakers. Just like the Green-winged Macaw, the Hyacinth Macaw is considered more docile than other members of the macaw family, making it a popular pet.

These birds grow to a total length of 42" and can weigh over 4 lbs. Wingspan is around 4 ft. They have a beak pressure that can easily disassemble the bars of a welded wrought iron cage in a short time. This powerful beak is ideal for its favorite foods, which include hard nuts and seeds that would otherwise be inaccessible to it. In addition, they eat fruits and other vegetable matter. There are eight species of palm that are central to its diet. They are generally messy eaters.

The Hyacinth Macaw has a solid blue/purple body of feathers, similar to the color of a blueberry. It has a solid black beak with bright yellow along the sides of the lower part of the beak and circling its solid dark eyes. Unlike other breeds of macaw, it does not have a white patch of featherless skin around the eye. The female and male are nearly indistinguishable, although the female is typically a bit more slender.

These birds nest in preexisting holes in trees. The clutch size is two or three eggs, although usually only one fledgling survives. Juveniles stay with their parents until they are six months old. They are mature and begin breeding at seven years.

The Hyacinth Macaw survives today in three known distinct populations in South America: southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. It is possible that smaller, fragmented populations occur in other areas of its range. Its habitat includes riverside tropical rain forests and palm swamps.

Bird experts often advise those interested in obtaining a macaw as a pet to educate themselves extensively about these birds prior to obtaining one, as these animals require more attention than a dog or cat and they are not considered domesticated animals by the official definition. Also, one should consider the bird's endangered status before choosing to own one, as trade in these birds is illegal.

The Hyacinth Macaw is considered an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and by the use of their feathers by the Kayapo Indians of Gorotire in southern Brazil. These Indians use the feathers to make headdresses and other baubles for the tourist trade. Like so many other species, their habitat is also being reduced by development.

References

• Hyacinth Macaw - a closeup on its endangered status (http://www.bagheera.com/inthewild/van_anim_macaw.htm)
• Hyacinth Macaw entry from Earlham College (http://www.earlham.edu/~chickha/hyacinth/hyacinth.htm)
• How the Hyacinth Macaw got its Markings - a folk tale (http://www.realmacaw.com/pages/hycolor.html)