Blue-and-yellow Macaw (also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Psittaciformes, Family: Psittacidae, Genus: Ara, Species: A. ararauna
Family: Psittacidae (True Parrots)
- Shape
- Elongated, slender, and slightly asymmetrical with a tapered, rounded tip
- Size
- Estimated 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) in length; typically narrow width of 0.5-0.75 inches, consistent with long-tailed macaws
- Rarity
- Common in the wild within its native range; Very Common in aviculture/captivity globally
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Description
This is a long, elegant tail feather from one of the most iconic parrots in the world. The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a massive bird with a wingspan of nearly 4 feet, characterized by bright blue upperparts and golden-yellow underparts. It has a powerful black bill, white skin facial patches, and a loud, raucous call used to communicate over long distances in the rainforest canopy.
Colour & Pattern
Vibrant structural blue on the dorsal (upper) surface, transitioning to a greenish-teal hue toward the base; the ventral surface (not fully visible but implied) is typically olive-yellow or golden-yellow
Barb Structure
Primarily pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs; small plumulaceous section near the calamus (base)
Texture & Surface
Smooth, glossy, and relatively stiff; the surface exhibits a waxy, water-resistant quality typical of large tropical parrots
Key Features
Characteristic brilliant 'macaw blue' structural color, elongated narrow shape, and a dark rachis fading to light at the quill
Habitat
Humid lowland forests, woodlands, and swampy savannas, often near rivers or palm groves
Geographic Range
Resident across South America, from Panama and Colombia south to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay; introduced populations exist in Florida, USA
Ecological Role
Apex seed predator and occasional seed disperser; they play a vital role in tropical forest dynamics by processing large fruits. Classified as 'Least Concern' by IUCN, but populations are declining due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Similar Species
Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) feathers are very similar but often have a different tail gradient; Hyacinth Macaw feathers are much darker, deep cobalt blue without the green-gold transition.
Interesting Facts
Blue-and-yellow Macaws are highly intelligent and can live up to 60-80 years in captivity. They often mate for life and are known to eat clay at 'macaw licks' to neutralize toxins from the seeds and fruits they consume.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair; some wear is visible along the vane edges (feather fraying), suggesting it was molted naturally or handled. No visible parasites or fault bars