Scientific Name: Ara ararauna
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Length: 90–96 cm
Weight: 995–1380 g
Incubation: 28 days
Number of eggs: 2–3

Distribution: Central and Northern South America
Habitat: Rainforest

Description: These are large, amazingly coloured birds with predominantly blue and gold feathers. They also have green and white in their plumage and a black beak.

Diet: Blue-and-Gold Macaws are herbivores and feed on seeds, flowers and fruit.

In the wild: At dusk Blue-and-Gold Macaws form large, noisy flocks at nesting sites to preen and chatter. These birds do not mature until they are six to eight years old, and spend the first two to three years with their parents. Pairs bond for life and maintain a permanent nest site.

Threats: Habitat destruction is a major threat to these birds in the wild. They are also poached for the illegal pet trade.

At Perth Zoo: You can see Blue-and-Gold Macaws in our World of Birds.

Did you know? Blue-and-gold Macaws are one of a possible 19 subspecies of macaws in South America. Nine of these subspecies are critically endangered.