Hyacinth Macaw
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
DistributionApproximate Hyacinth Macaw Distribution
Hyacinth Macaws are found in the Pantanal lands of Brazil, Bolivia and Parraguay, in South America. Hyacinth Macaws have a liking for palm swamps and partly open tree-laden, wooded areas. They avoid moist, crowded forest areas with high amounts of water vapour. Some Hyacinth Macaws can also be found in savannah grasslands and in dry caatinga.
DietHyacinth Macaws are herbivorous, and their main diet consists of nuts and seeds. The sharp beaks of the Hyacinth Macaws allow them to crack open coconuts, the large pods of Brazil Nuts and macadamia nuts. Other nuts that the Hyacinth Macaw eats include acuris and pine nuts. However, acuris are extremely hard nuts, and are usually only ever able to be eaten after they have gone through a cow's digestive system. Hyacinth Macaws also love eating fruit.
Below is a video of Hyacinth Macaws feeding on Nuts. |
DescriptionHyacinth Macaw
The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest macaw, largest flying parrot and longest species of parrot in the world, reaching a length of up to 100cm (1 metre) and weighing approximately 1.2-1.7 kilograms. Hyacinth Macaws are a beautiful dark azure colour, although in some lights they can appear to be a light cornflower blue colour. Like most parrots, Hyacinth Macaws have sharp beaks that are curved. Their beaks can vary in colour, from a light grey to a tint black colour. Around the eyes, there is an electric yellow ring of bare skin. There is also the same yellow skin near the base of lower beak. Hyacinth Macaws have grey underparts on their wings and tails. The Scientific Name for Hyacinth Macaws Anodorhynchus was given to the Hyacinth Macaw because of the small number of ridges in the beak that can sometimes look like teet. An means No, Odo means Tooth and Rhunchus means Nose. So the Hyacinth Macaw's Scientific Name means: No Tooth Nose. There is no difference between female and male Hyacinth Macaws, other than their genders and the fact that the females lay the eggs.
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LifeThe constructing of nest will take place between July and December. The nests are built in trees or on cliff faces. 90% of the nesting in the Pantanal region takes place upon the manduvi tree. During nesting season, the Hyacinth Macaws become hard competitors, and it's every Hyacinth Macaw for himself. Trees that have holes in them tend to be 60 or more years old tend and to be the most sufficient and the most favourited nesting areas. The most amount of eggs recorded in a nest is up to two eggs, with an expectation of only one surviving. This is because the second egg will hatch approximately 7 days after the first egg, and is not able to fight with the first born for food. The female looks after the eggs for a month or so, while her mate sees to her every needs. Once the chicks are 110 days old, they will take flight, but they will still be dependants of of their parents, as they become independent when they are six months old. When Hyacinth Macaws are seven years old, they will mate and keep on cycle going.
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Threats and DangersIn the wild today, there are around 2500-5000 individual Hyacinth Macaws left in the wild. Clearing of the land and illegal capturing and trading for Hyacinth Macaws, their beautiful plumage and meat are the main reasons for Hyacinth Macaws being endangered. When Hyacinth Macaws are young, they are in danger of becoming prey to possums, toucans, corvids and coatis.
DefencesHyacinth Macaws have sharp beaks, talons and are very large, and can therefore defend themselves easily from potential predators.
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Bibliography
Distribution Map
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyacinth_Macaw
http://hyacinthmacaw.org/hyacinthmacaw.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyacinth_Macaw
http://hyacinthmacaw.org/hyacinthmacaw.htm