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Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Blue-and-gold Macaw)
Flight feather (Remige, likely a secondary or primary covert/wing feather)

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

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

Family: Psittacidae (True Parrots)

Shape
Symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical vane, rounded tip, elongated broad outline with smooth margins
Size
Approximately 6 to 8 inches long, consistent with a medium-to-large wing covert or secondary flight feather of a large parrot species
Rarity
Common in captivity, but uncommon to rare in certain depleted wild ranges due to 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 magnificent and colorful wing feather from one of the world's most iconic parrots. The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a large, intelligent bird known for its brilliant plumage, long tail, and powerful curved bill, communicating with loud, raucous calls across the South American canopy

Colour & Pattern

Striking and vibrant coloration featuring brilliant cobalt blue on the upper vane transitioning sharply to a vivid golden yellow on the lower vane, separated by a white-to-light-ivory central rachis, showcasing structural blue colors and pigment-based yellow

Barb Structure

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane with strong hooklets (barbicels), forming a smooth, firm surface with no afterfeather

Texture & Surface

Smooth, glossy, and firm texture with high rigidity along the vane, possessing a clean and polished appearance without powder bloom

Key Features

Distinctive sharp split of vivid cobalt blue and bright golden yellow on a single pennaceous feather with a pale ivory rachis

Habitat

Tropical rainforests, woodlands, and savannahs, typically associated with flooded forests and river edges

Geographic Range

South America, ranging through Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Paraguay

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed disperser and predator within neotropical forest ecosystems, helping shape plant community structures

Similar Species

Other large macaws such as the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) or Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis), which lack the distinct dual blue-and-yellow wing pattern

Interesting Facts

Macaws can live up to 60-80 years in captivity, mate for life, and frequently consume clay from river banks to neutralize toxins from their natural diet

Condition Notes

Excellent condition with intact barbs, clean surfaces, no visible fraying, and vibrant, unfaded pigmentation