Blue-and-yellow Macaw, also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a massive, stunning parrot reaching 86 cm in length. It features vivid blue upperparts, golden-yellow underparts, a green forehead, and a black throat. Highly intelligent and social, they move in pairs or family groups.

Brilliant cerulean blue on the dorsal (upper) surface. The underside (ventral) is typically dark greyish-black or olive-gold. There is no banding, which is characteristic of the solid blue dorsum of this species.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid and airtight vane for flight. Base of the feather shows some downy, plumulaceous barbs for thermoregulation.

Smooth, firm, and slightly glossy on the upper surface due to structural coloration. The surface feels waxy and highly water-resistant.

Solid vivid blue dorsal color with a dark central rachis and no barring. Size and stiffness distinguish it from smaller parakeets or jays.

Tall humid forests, gallery forests in savannas, and swampy areas with palm trees.

Widespread across South America, from Panama south to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Frequently found in the Amazon Basin.

Primary seed predator and disperser. They use their powerful beaks to crack nuts that other animals cannot open, playing a key role in forest regeneration.

Hyacinth Macaw feathers are deeper indigo and larger. Blue-throated Macaw feathers are nearly identical but extremely rare. Blue Jay feathers are much smaller and usually barred.

Macaws can live for over 50 years. Their blue color is not liquid pigment but 'structural color' caused by the scattering of light within the feather cells (Tyndall scattering).

Good condition; the vane is mostly intact, though there is minor fraying at the tip and some separation of the barbs near the base (hickies), likely from natural wear or grooming behavior.

Macaws