The blue-headed macaw or Coulon's macaw is a macaw native to eastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, and far western Brazil. It has a total length of about 41 cm (16 in), making it a member of the group of smaller macaws sometimes known as the mini-macaws, which includes any species of macaw with a total length of 50 cm (20 in) or less. As in all macaws, its tail is long and pointed and the bill is large and heavy.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Found in the eastern Andean foothills and adjacent lowlands of southeastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, and far western Brazil (Acre). It inhabits humid evergreen forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo (Guadua) thickets, and riverine corridors. Birds often gather at exposed riverbanks for geophagy. They use a mosaic of disturbed and mature forest, often near watercourses. Local occurrence can be patchy but they may form seasonal concentrations where fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Coulon's macaw, this is a ‘mini-macaw’ with a striking blue head and green body. It frequents Amazonian clay licks to obtain minerals that help neutralize plant toxins. The species is affected by habitat loss and capture for the pet trade. It can be confused with Illiger’s macaw, but the uniform blue head is distinctive.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, with larger aggregations at feeding sites and clay licks. Monogamous pairs maintain close bonds and nest in tree cavities. They are alert and wary, often perching high in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, nasal screeches and rasping notes, higher-pitched and less booming than larger macaws. In flight they give repeated ‘kraaa’ and ‘kree’ calls; perched birds exchange softer chatter.
Plumage
Compact macaw with a bright blue head and throat contrasting with predominantly green upperparts and yellowish-green underparts; flight feathers show bluish tones and the tail is long and pointed.
Diet
Primarily consumes wild fruits, seeds, and nuts, including palm fruits. Also takes flowers and buds when available. Regularly visits clay licks to ingest mineral-rich soil that aids digestion and detoxification.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and at forest edges, especially along rivers and in bamboo thickets. Will use secondary forest and disturbed areas with fruiting trees.
