The hyacinth macaw, or hyacinthine macaw, is a parrot native to central and eastern South America. With a length of about one meter it is longer than any other species of parrot. It is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species. While generally easily recognized, it could be confused with the smaller Lear's macaw. Habitat loss and the trapping of wild birds for the pet trade have taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild, so the species is classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, and it is protected by its listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Region
Central and eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in Brazil (especially the Pantanal and Cerrado), with smaller populations in eastern Bolivia and historically in northeastern Paraguay. Prefers seasonally flooded savannas, palm-dotted grasslands, gallery forests, and palm swamps. Strongly associated with areas rich in palm species that produce large nuts, such as acuri and bocaiuva. Nests primarily in large tree cavities (notably in manduvi trees) and occasionally in cliffs where suitable cavities exist.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hyacinth macaw is the largest flying parrot, reaching about one meter in length, with a massive bill strong enough to crack hard palm nuts. It is easily recognized by its deep cobalt-blue plumage and bare yellow skin around the eyes and at the base of the bill. It can be confused with the smaller Lear's macaw, but the hyacinth is larger and a richer blue. Habitat loss and historical trapping for the pet trade have reduced its wild numbers; it is listed as Vulnerable and protected under CITES Appendix I.
A pair in their nest
![Development phases of the chicks: (A) nestling, 0–25 days, birds in picture are 17 and 18 days, respectively. Mass gain at this phase is slow, (B) chick, 26–77 days, birds in picture are 44 and 45 days, respectively, (C) chicks, birds in picture are 61 and 62 days, respectively. Geometric growth until maximum weight is attained, (D) juvenile, 78–107 days, birds in pictures are 104 and 105 days, respectively. Weight is maintained up to 90–95 days when weight loss begins with the first attempts of flying.[25]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Desenvolvimento_dos_filhotes_Anodorhynchus_hyacinthinus.jpg/1280px-Desenvolvimento_dos_filhotes_Anodorhynchus_hyacinthinus.jpg)
Development phases of the chicks: (A) nestling, 0–25 days, birds in picture are 17 and 18 days, respectively. Mass gain at this phase is slow, (B) chick, 26–77 days, birds in picture are 44 and 45 days, respectively, (C) chicks, birds in picture are 61 and 62 days, respectively. Geometric growth until maximum weight is attained, (D) juvenile, 78–107 days, birds in pictures are 104 and 105 days, respectively. Weight is maintained up to 90–95 days when weight loss begins with the first attempts of flying.[25]
Captive macaw at La Palmyre Zoo, France
A pet hyacinth macaw
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
powerful, direct flight with deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in bonded pairs or small family groups, forming larger communal roosts outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs maintain long-term bonds and defend nest sites. Nests are placed in large tree cavities, often in manduvi trees, and the species has a slow reproductive rate with small clutches and extended parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, carrying, and raucous, consisting of harsh screeches and grating calls used for contact over distance. At close range they also utter softer growls and croaks during pair interactions.
