Blue-headed macaw

Sa Zoo

Tropikal na Rainforest at Aviary ng Timog Amerika

Kamangha-manghang mga katotohanan

• Blue-headed macaws are considered “mini-macaws,” a group that includes any species of macaw that reach a total length of less than 20 inches.
• This macaw gets their name from their striking blue head on an otherwise mostly green body.
• Blue-headed macaws have been observed visiting clay-licks. The soil there potentially provides sodium as well as protection against toxins naturally found in their diet.

Mga pisikal na katangian

The blue-headed macaw is 16 inches in length, with the large powerful beak and long pointed tail characteristic to all macaws. They have a blue head, green wings and body, with maroon on the upper portion of the tail.

Habitat

These birds are found in the southwest Amazon and adjacent east Andean foothills of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. They prefer humid evergreen forests found along rivers and in clearings from lowlands up to 5,100 ft.

Diet

They are arboreal, diurnal, and herbivorous.

Sosyal na pag-uugali

The blue-headed macaw is not usually found in flocks like other parrots, but is instead typically seen in groups of 2-4 individuals. Their call is higher-pitched and softer than that of most other macaws.

Katayuan sa ligid

This species is listed as Vulnerable due to pressure on their small population from exploitation for the illegal pet trade and deforestation from the logging industry and mining/drilling for gas. They are also experiencing severe nesting shortages as they rely on tree and bamboo cavities to breed.

Current conservation efforts are on protecting wild areas where they live.

In the future, conservationists hope to improve population data, increase international trade prevention, and identify further essential land for protection.