Hyacinth Macaw Flashcards
What is the world’s longest parrot?
The hyacinth macaw.
How long does the hyacinth macaw get?
Up to 3 1/2 feet
How large is the wingspan of the hyacinth macaw?
Up to 4 feet
What is the conservation status of the hyacinth macaw?
Endangered.
What are some threats to the survival of the hyacinth macaw?
People capture them for the pet trade, burn and destroy their habitat for cattle ranches, and hunt the bird for meat and feathers.
True or false, the main character in the movie Rio is a hyacinth macaw.
False. He is a Spix’s macaw.
how many hyacinth macaws were taken from the wild in the 80s?
Over 10,000
What animals prey upon the eggs of the hyacinth macaw?
Coatis, corvids, possums.
How are people protecting hyacinth macaws?
They are being bred in captivity and people are building artificial nests for them. They are also illegal to import anywhere. Ranchers will also protect them by not allowing poachers on their land.
Macaws are the most threatened family of birds. How many species are there and how many are endangered?
145 species and 46 are endangered.
What is the range and habitat of the hyacinth macaw?
It is found in western South America in swamps, woodlands, and semi wooded areas.
What kind of forest does the hyacinth macaw NOT like?
Dense, humid forest such as a rainforest.
What do hyacinth macaws eat?
Nuts, nectar, and fruits.
What are some adaptions of the hyacinth macaw?
Strong bill: they use this bill to shear and crack open hard nuts. The bill is strong enough to crack coconuts and Brazil nuts.
Specialized tongue: Allows it to extract nectar and juice from inside things.
What kinds of tools do hyacinth macaws use?
They will hold chewed leaves in their hands when picking up slippery fruit to get a better grasp on it.
where do hyacinth macaws nest?
Cliffs or tree cavities.
What is the special tree that is especially loved by hyacinth macaws?
The manduvi tree.
True or false, hyacinth macaws generally make their own nest.
False. Hyacinth macaws find a pre-existing nest and fill it with wood chips.
How many young do the hyacinth macaw have?
They lay one or two eggs.
Does the male care for the female hyacinth macaw while she sits on the eggs?
Yes.
At what age do hyacinth macaws reach sexual maturity?
Seven.
What is the general size of hyacinth macaw groups?
Ten to thirty individuals.
What is the lifespan of the hyacinth macaw?
Wild: 60 years
Captivity: 90 years
What age do hyacinth macaws fledge at?
110 days
Are hyacinth macaws easy pets?
No, they require lots of attention and plenty of room and exercise. They can grow nasty or sick if these needs aren’t met. They are recommended for expert keepers only.
How do macaws keep the toxic juices from fruit from upsetting their stomach?
They eat clay that neutralizes the juices.
What is the usual punishment for illegal transportation of animals in South America?
Two year prison sentence and a fine equivalent to the value of the animal.
