The blue-throated macaw, also known as the Caninde macaw or Wagler's macaw, is a macaw endemic to a small area of north-central Bolivia, known as Los Llanos de Moxos. In 2014 this species was designated by law as a natural patrimony of Bolivia. Until 2010, it was hunted by native people to make feathered "Moxeño" headdresses for "machetero" ritual dances.
Region
Bolivian Llanos (Beni savannas)
Typical Environment
Occurs in seasonally flooded savannas dotted with palm "islands" and gallery forests along rivers. It is closely associated with stands of Motacú and Totai palms, which provide both nesting cavities and key fruit resources. Birds use isolated woodland patches within a grazing-dominated landscape and often commute between feeding and roosting sites. They avoid dense continuous rainforest, favoring open savanna-forest mosaics. Nesting typically happens in dead or decayed palm trunks.
Altitude Range
100–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Bolivia’s Llanos de Moxos, this macaw is distinguished by its blue throat patch, which separates it from the similar blue-and-yellow macaw. It suffered steep declines from capture for the pet trade and use of feathers in traditional headdresses, but community agreements and nest-box programs have helped numbers inch upward. In 2014 it was declared a natural patrimony of Bolivia, and it remains strictly protected. Conservation focuses on protecting palm islands, artificial nest provision, and community-based stewardship.
Blue-throated macaw raised in captivity. Photographed at Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio
Blue-throated macaw in flight
Close-up of head
A pet blue-throated macaw.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in bonded pairs or small family groups, sometimes forming small flocks at rich fruiting trees. They are monogamous and nest in cavities of palms, often reusing or enlarging sites over years. Breeding success is limited by competition for cavities and predation, making nest-box programs important.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud, harsh screeches and nasal yelps that carry over long distances in open savanna. Pairs exchange softer chatter and grating notes during close contact. Alarm calls are sharper and more insistent when disturbed near nests.
