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Blue-throated Macaw© Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Blue-throated Macaw

The Blue-throated Macaw is a striking large parrot known for its blue-green back, golden-yellow underparts, and the turquoise throat patch that gives it its name. Reaching about 85 cm in length, it has an impressive presence among macaw species. Found only in the Beni lowlands of northern Bolivia, it is a critically endangered species with very few individuals remaining in the wild. Highly intelligent and affectionate, Blue-throated Macaws can form strong bonds with their caregivers, but their loud vocalizations, need for spacious housing, and long-term care requirements make them best suited to experienced, advanced keepers. Given their rarity, prospective owners should carefully check the bird's condition and prepare a suitable environment before bringing one home.

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Blue-throated Macaw key facts

Care level
Advanced
Lifespan
About 50 years
Size
About 85cm
Diet
Large parrot pellets, palm nuts, other nuts, fruit and vegetables
Cage
At 85 cm this is a large species and an indoor cage cannot provide enough exercise; a dedicated bird room or a large aviary is a precondition.
Temperament
A highly social species that lives in pairs and small groups; long spells alone readily lead to problems such as feather plucking.
Vocalization
Like other large macaws it is extremely loud and piercing, and keeping one in a built-up area is not realistic.
Notes
As a CITES Appendix I and internationally endangered species, a bird without a registration certificate can be neither transferred nor advertised for sale; always check that the certificate exists and matches the bird.
TraitsMacawLarge parrotCITES Appendix IAdvanced

About Blue-throated Macaw

A large macaw reaching about 85 cm, found only in Bolivia's Beni lowlands, with a blue-green back, golden-yellow underparts, and a turquoise throat. Rare in the wild and recommended for experienced keepers only.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blue-throated Macaw

  1. 1Best Suited to Experienced Keepers

    Blue-throated Macaws are intelligent and emotionally expressive, but also demanding to care for. They are best suited to keepers with prior large-parrot experience, and not recommended for first-time bird owners.

  2. 2Needs Spacious Housing

    With a body length of about 85 cm, they need a large, sturdy cage and out-of-cage space. Make sure the environment allows them to fully spread their wings without feeling cramped.

  3. 3Loud Vocalizations to Consider

    Like other large macaws, they can vocalize loudly. If you live in an apartment or close to neighbors, it's worth planning ahead for noise management.

  4. 4A Rare, Endangered Species

    Found only in the Beni lowlands of northern Bolivia, this species has very few individuals left in the wild. Before bringing one home, carefully check the bird's origin and health condition.

  5. 5Intelligent and Affectionate Nature

    They learn quickly and can form strong bonds with their caregivers. At the same time, they're prone to loneliness and stress, so daily interaction is essential.

  6. 6Commitment to Long-Term Care

    Parrots are long-lived animals that require ongoing feeding, cleaning, and health care. Consider how future changes in your lifestyle might affect their long-term care before bringing one home.

  7. 7Preparing the Environment in Advance

    Before bringing one home, prepare the living environment, including temperature and humidity control, diet, and enrichment toys. It's also wise to line up an avian-experienced veterinarian in advance.

Frequently asked questions about Blue-throated Macaw

Q.Can beginners keep a Blue-throated Macaw?
A.They are considered a species for experienced keepers. Their intelligence, loud vocalizations, and need for spacious housing make them better suited to those with prior large-parrot experience.
Q.How large do they grow?
A.As adults, they reach about 85 cm in length, making them a large macaw species. You'll need to provide housing space that matches their size.
Q.How loud are they?
A.They can produce the loud, far-carrying calls typical of large macaws. Depending on your living situation, noise management may be an important consideration.
Q.Can they still be found in the wild?
A.They are found only in the Beni lowlands of northern Bolivia and are critically endangered, with very few individuals left in the wild. Given their rarity, it's important to carefully check the bird's condition before bringing one home.
Q.What is the legal status of this species?
A.Blue-throated Macaw is listed in CITES Appendix I. In Japan it is an "internationally endangered species" under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, so only registered individuals may be sold or transferred, and the registration certificate goes with the animal. Always check that the certificate is provided.

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