Hyacinth Macaw

Question 1

What is the world’s longest parrot?

Answer 1

The hyacinth macaw.

Question 2

How long does the hyacinth macaw get?

Answer 2

Up to 3 1/2 feet

Question 3

How large is the wingspan of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 3

Up to 4 feet

Question 4

What is the conservation status of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 4

Endangered.

Question 5

What are some threats to the survival of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 5

People capture them for the pet trade, burn and destroy their habitat for cattle ranches, and hunt the bird for meat and feathers.

Question 6

True or false, the main character in the movie Rio is a hyacinth macaw.

Answer 6

False. He is a Spix’s macaw.

Question 7

how many hyacinth macaws were taken from the wild in the 80s?

Answer 7

Over 10,000

Question 8

What animals prey upon the eggs of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 8

Coatis, corvids, possums.

Question 9

How are people protecting hyacinth macaws?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Macaws are the most threatened family of birds. How many species are there and how many are endangered?

Answer 10

145 species and 46 are endangered.

Question 11

What is the range and habitat of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 11

It is found in western South America in swamps, woodlands, and semi wooded areas.

Question 12

What kind of forest does the hyacinth macaw NOT like?

Answer 12

Dense, humid forest such as a rainforest.

Question 13

What do hyacinth macaws eat?

Answer 13

Nuts, nectar, and fruits.

Question 14

What are some adaptions of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

What kinds of tools do hyacinth macaws use?

Answer 15

They will hold chewed leaves in their hands when picking up slippery fruit to get a better grasp on it.

Question 16

where do hyacinth macaws nest?

Answer 16

Cliffs or tree cavities.

Question 17

What is the special tree that is especially loved by hyacinth macaws?

Answer 17

The manduvi tree.

Question 18

True or false, hyacinth macaws generally make their own nest.

Answer 18

False. Hyacinth macaws find a pre-existing nest and fill it with wood chips.

Question 19

How many young do the hyacinth macaw have?

Answer 19

They lay one or two eggs.

Question 20

Does the male care for the female hyacinth macaw while she sits on the eggs?

Answer 20

Yes.

Question 21

At what age do hyacinth macaws reach sexual maturity?

Answer 21

Seven.

Question 22

What is the general size of hyacinth macaw groups?

Answer 22

Ten to thirty individuals.

Question 23

What is the lifespan of the hyacinth macaw?

Answer 23

Wild: 60 years
Captivity: 90 years

Question 24

What age do hyacinth macaws fledge at?

Answer 24

110 days

Question 25

Are hyacinth macaws easy pets?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

How do macaws keep the toxic juices from fruit from upsetting their stomach?

Answer 26

They eat clay that neutralizes the juices.

Question 27

What is the usual punishment for illegal transportation of animals in South America?

Answer 27

Two year prison sentence and a fine equivalent to the value of the animal.