Range: South America: Eastern Panama through Columbia, Ecuador, and Brazil.
Habitat: Remote forests and swampy areas.
Description: Green forehead; upper part of body brilliant blue; sides of neck and upper parts of body are golden yellow; black around chin and cheeks; naked skin of cheeks is pinkish-white with lines of very small, isolated black feathers.
Adaptations/Habitat: Macaws are wary birds and usually avoid human contact. They have declined or disappeared in populated areas (by humans). In the forest, they can be found in communal roosting sites at night. At dawn, they leave their roosts to bask in the sun and feed. The macaw's plumage blends in with the rays of sunlight and the blue sky. They are completely dependent on trees for their food. Large flocks often travel great distances each day for food. They can fly as far as 15 miles to feed. The macaw has a massive beak which is hinged to allow it to crush the toughest nuts. The macaw also uses its beak to help it climb. Its feet have toes that point forward and backward, which enable it to grasp food and to grip while climbing. The long tail is used for balance.
Breeding/Growth:
Diet: They each fruits, seeds, berries, and nuts. In their tropical and subtropical habitats, different trees bear crops at different times of the year, so food is always plentiful.
Exhibit: Flamingos
Notes: STATUS: Threatened
A.K.A. Blue and Yellow Macaw.
