Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Ara ararauna
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Psittaciformes · Psittacidae
About
The blue-and-yellow macaw, also known as the blue-and-gold macaw, is a large Neotropical parrot with a mostly blue dorsum, light yellow/orange venter, and gradient hues of green on top of its head. It is a member of the large group of neotropical parrots known as macaws. It inhabits forest, woodland, and savannah of tropical Central and South America, as well as the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. They are popular in aviculture because of their striking color, ability to talk, ready availability in the marketplace, and close bonding to humans. It is the most commonly kept macaw species in captivity worldwide as a pet or companion parrot and is also the cheapest among the large macaws. As of 2025, there are 1 million blue and gold macaws living in captivity worldwide, one of the highest populations of any large parrot in captivity, such is the popularity of this bird.
Fun Fact
Blue-and-yellow Macaws can learn to mimic human speech so well that they can hold basic conversations with their owners.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Restricted to Panama.
Diet
Feed on seeds, fruits, vegetable matter, bark, and leaves, also (reportedly but rarely) insects and snails.
Lifespan
35 years (wild)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance