Blue-and-yellow Macaw

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is widespread across tropical lowland South America, extending into parts of Central America and Panama, where it inhabits rainforest, forest edge, and palm swamp habitat. It is among the most recognizable of the large macaws due to its bold two-tone coloration, and its long, broad tail and powerful build reflect its status as one of the larger parrot species in its range.

The crown and back of the neck show a narrow band of green feathers grading into deep blue across the back, wings, and tail. The underparts, including the throat, breast, and belly, are golden-yellow, creating a sharp contrast with the blue upperparts. The face is largely bare white skin, crossed by fine rows of small dark feathers forming thin lines, a pattern unique to macaws of this genus. The tail is long, broad at the base, and tapered, blue above with a yellow underside. Flight feathers are long and strong, built for powerful, direct flight typical of large macaws, and the wing linings show yellow matching the body underparts.

Sexes are alike in plumage, with no reliable visual difference between males and females. Juveniles resemble adults in overall pattern but show a shorter tail and slightly duller coloration, with adult-length tail feathers and full color intensity developing over the first couple of years through successive molts.

This species occupies tropical lowland rainforest, forest edge, savanna woodland, and palm swamp across much of northern and central South America, with a range extending into Central America and Panama. It is largely non-migratory, though flocks make regular daily movements between roosting and feeding areas, and some populations shift locally with fruiting seasons.

Blue-and-yellow Macaws feed on fruit, seeds, nuts, and palm fruit, using their large, powerful bills to access tough-shelled food sources. Nests are placed in large tree cavities, particularly in tall emergent trees or palms. Pairs typically remain together and are often seen flying in twos or small groups between feeding and roosting sites. Calls include loud, harsh, far-carrying squawks and screeches, among the loudest calls of any parrot, given frequently in flight.