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Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Blue-and-gold Macaw)
Contour body feather / wing covert

Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Blue-and-gold Macaw)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Psittacidae, Genus: Ara, Species: Ara ararauna

Family: Psittacidae (Parrots and Macaws)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a gently rounded tip and smooth overall outline
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches long, typical for a medium-to-large body or covert feather of this species
Rarity
Common in its native range and widely kept in captivity, though wild populations face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade
Learn more about Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Blue-and-gold Macaw) in the encyclopedia →

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Description

A striking contour feather showcasing the brilliant structural blue coloration typical of the Blue-and-yellow Macaw, a large and charismatic South American parrot known for its vibrant plumage, long tail, and loud, booming calls

Colour & Pattern

Vibrant, iridescent deep blue/turquoise on the upper vane surface with a clean, sharply contrasting whitish-grey tip and a fluffy greyish-white base

Barb Structure

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs in the upper colored section, transitioning to a soft, fluffy plumulaceous base with simple barbs

Texture & Surface

Smooth, glossy, and silky texture with high rigidity along the upper vane and a soft, downy texture near the base

Key Features

Vibrant turquoise-blue coloration paired with a distinctive contrasting pale tip and a fluffy downy base

Habitat

Tropical rainforests, woodlands, and savannas, typically near rivers, floodplains, and forest edges

Geographic Range

South America, ranging from Venezuela and Trinidad down through Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru, extending into parts of Central America (Panama)

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed predator and disperser within the Neotropical rainforest ecosystem, helping shape forest regeneration

Similar Species

Other large parrot species such as the Military Macaw or Blue-throated Macaw, distinguished primarily by different shades of green or yellow

Interesting Facts

Macaws form strong, lifelong monogamous pairs and can live for upwards of 50 to 60 years in captivity, often communicating with complex, raucous vocalizations

Condition Notes

Good condition with minor wear visible at the delicate whitish tip, but the overall structure and barbs remain largely intact