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Native to central and eastern [[South America]], the '''Hyacinth Macaw''' (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus''), or '''Hyacinthine Macaw''', is the largest [[macaw]] and the largest flying [[parrot]] species in the world, though the flightless [[Kakapo]] of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5 kg. In terms of length it is larger than any other species of parrot. While generally easily recognized, it can be confused with the far rarer and smaller [[Lear's Macaw]]. Their popularity as pets has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild.
Native to central and eastern [[South America]], the '''Hyacinth Macaw''' (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus''), or '''Hyacinthine Macaw''', is the largest [[macaw]] and the largest flying [[parrot]] species in the world, though the flightless [[Kakapo]] of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5&nbsp;kg. In terms of length it is larger than any other species of parrot. While generally easily recognized, it can be confused with the far rarer and smaller [[Lear's Macaw]]. Their popularity as pets has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild, and as a result they are classified as Endangered (EN - A1bcd+2bcd) on the [[IUCN Red List]] 2002,<ref name="IUCN">{{cite web|url=http://www.redlist.org|title=IUCN Red List|date=2003-04|accessdate=2003-04}} - via [[ARKive]]</ref> and listed on Appendix II of CITES.<ref name="CITES">{{cite web|url=http://www.cites.org/|title=Welcome to CITES|date=2003-04|accessdate=2003-04}} - via [[ARKive]]</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
The Hyacinth Macaw is {{convert|100|cm|ft|abbr=on}} long from the tip of its tail to the top of its head and {{convert|1.2|–|1.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in weight.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70.">Forshaw (2006). plate 70.</ref><ref name="animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu">http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anodorhynchus_hyacinthinus.html</ref> Each wing is {{convert|388|-|425|mm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70."/> Its feathers are entirely blue, lighter above and darker on its wings.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70."/> It has a large black curved beak. It has bright-yellow bare skin at the base of its lower beak and also yellow bare skin circling its eyes.<ref name = birdlife-1543>{{cite web| publisher =BirdLife International (2008) |url = http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1543&m=0 |title = Species factsheet: ''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'' |accessdate = 2008-07-24 }}</ref> Male and female have identical external appearances.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70."/>
The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest parrot in the world,<ref name="foundation">{{cite web|url=http://hyacinthmacaw.org/hyacinthmacaw.htm|title=background hyacinth macaw|publisher=Foundation for the Preservation of the Hyacinth Macaw|accessdate=19 July 2011}} - via [[ARKive]]</ref> {{convert|100|cm|ft|abbr=on}} long from the tip of its tail to the top of its head and {{convert|1.2|–|1.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in weight.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70.">Forshaw (2006). plate 70.</ref><ref name="animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu">http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anodorhynchus_hyacinthinus.html</ref> Each wing is {{convert|388|-|425|mm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70."/> Its feathers are entirely blue, lighter above and darker on its wings.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70."/> It has a large black curved beak. It has bright-yellow bare skin at the base of its lower beak and an eyering of yellow bare skin circling its eyes.<ref name = birdlife-1543>{{cite web| publisher =BirdLife International (2008) |url = http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1543&m=0 |title = Species factsheet: ''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'' |accessdate = 2008-07-24 }}</ref> Male and female have identical external appearances.<ref name="Forshaw (2006). plate 70."/> The tail is particularly long.<ref name="Birdlife" />


==Behaviour==
==Behaviour==
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===Food and feeding===
===Food and feeding===
They have a very strong beak for eating their natural foods, which include the kernel of hard [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s and seeds. Their strong beaks are even able to crack [[coconut]]s, the large [[brazil nut]] pods and [[macadamia nut]]s. In addition, they eat [[fruit]]s and other vegetable matter. [[Pine nut]]s are also one of the most popular foods.
The majority of the hyacinth macaw diet is comprised of nuts from native palms, such as acuri and bocaiuva palms.<ref name="WWF">{{cite web|title="Hyacinth Macaw"| url=http://www.wwf.org.br/english/informa/sitearara_arara.htm|publisher=[[WWF]]}} - via [[ARKive]]</ref> They have a very strong beak for eating the kernels of hard [[nut (fruit)|nut]]s and seeds. Their strong beaks are even able to crack [[coconut]]s, the large [[brazil nut]] pods and [[macadamia nut]]s.The acuri nut is so hard that the parrots cannot feed on it until it has passed through the digestive system of cattle.<ref name="WWF" /> In addition, they eat [[fruit]]s and other vegetable matter. [[Pine nut]]s are also one of the most popular foods.
In the [[Pantanal]], Hyacinth Macaws feed almost exclusively on the nuts of ''[[Acrocomia aculeata]]'' and ''[[Attalea (genus)|Attalea]] phalerata'' palm trees.
In the [[Pantanal]], Hyacinth Macaws feed almost exclusively on the nuts of ''[[Acrocomia aculeata]]'' and ''[[Attalea (genus)|Attalea]] phalerata'' palm trees.


===Reproduction===
===Reproduction===
These birds nest in existing holes in trees. The clutch size is one or two [[Egg (biology)|eggs]], although usually only one fledgling survives as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. Juveniles stay with their parents until they are three months old. They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age. Eggs are regularly predated by [[corvid]]s, [[possum]]s, [[coati]]s and (most prolifically) [[toucan]]s.<ref>http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0313-hance_macaws.html</ref> Adults have no known natural predators.<ref name="animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu"/>
Nesting takes place between July and December, nests are constructed in tree cavities or cliff faces depending on the habitat.<ref name="Birdlife" /> In the Pantanal region, 90% of nests are constructed in manduvi trees; existing holes are enlarged and then filled with sawdust.<ref name="WWF" /> The clutch size is one or two [[Egg (biology)|eggs]],<ref name="WWF" /> although usually only one fledgling survives<ref name="WWF" /> as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. The incubation period lasts about a month, and the male will tend to his mate whilst she incubates the eggs.<ref name="WWF" /> Although fledging occurs when the chicks are around 3 months old they remain dependent on their parents until 6 months of age.<ref name="WWF" /> They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age. Eggs are regularly predated by [[corvid]]s, [[possum]]s, [[coati]]s and (most prolifically) [[toucan]]s.<ref>http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0313-hance_macaws.html</ref> Adults have no known natural predators.<ref name="animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu"/>


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
[[File:Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus wild.jpg|thumb|left|Hyacinth Macaws in their natural [[habitat]], the [[Pantanal]], Brazil.]]
[[File:Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus wild.jpg|thumb|left|Hyacinth Macaws in their natural [[habitat]], the [[Pantanal]], Brazil.]]
The Hyacinth Macaw survives today in three main populations in [[South America]]: In the [[Pantanal]] region of [[Brazil]], and adjacent eastern [[Bolivia]] and northeastern [[Paraguay]], in the [[Cerrado]] region of the eastern interior of Brazil ([[Maranhão]], [[Piauí]], [[Bahia]], [[Tocantins]], [[Goiás]], [[Mato Grosso]] and [[Minas Gerais]]), and in the relatively open areas associated with the [[Tocantins River]], [[Xingu River]], [[Tapajós River]], and the [[Marajó]] island in the eastern [[Amazon Basin]] of Brazil. It is possible that smaller, fragmented populations occur in other areas. It prefers [[Arecaceae|palm]] [[swamp]]s, woodlands, and other semi-open wooded habitats. It usually avoids dense humid forest, and in regions dominated by such habitats, it is generally restricted to the edge or relatively open sections (e.g. along major rivers).
The Hyacinth Macaw survives today in three main populations in [[South America]]: In the [[Pantanal]] region of [[Brazil]], and adjacent eastern [[Bolivia]] and northeastern [[Paraguay]], in the [[Cerrado]] region of the eastern interior of Brazil ([[Maranhão]], [[Piauí]], [[Bahia]], [[Tocantins]], [[Goiás]], [[Mato Grosso]] and [[Minas Gerais]]), and in the relatively open areas associated with the [[Tocantins River]], [[Xingu River]], [[Tapajós River]], and the [[Marajó]] island in the eastern [[Amazon Basin]] of Brazil. It is possible that smaller, fragmented populations occur in other areas. It prefers [[Arecaceae|palm]] [[swamp]]s, woodlands, and other semi-open wooded habitats. It usually avoids dense humid forest, and in regions dominated by such habitats, it is generally restricted to the edge or relatively open sections (e.g. along major rivers). In different areas of their range these parrots are found in savannah grasslands, in dry thorn forest known as 'caatinga', and in palm stands.<ref name="Birdlife">{{cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=1543|title=Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) - BirdLife species factsheet|publisher=[[Birdlife]]|accessdate=2003-04}} - via [[ARKive]]</ref>


===Conservation===
===Conservation===
[[File:Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus -zoo de La Palmyre-8a.jpg|right|thumb|At [[La Palmyre Zoo]], France]]
[[File:Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus -zoo de La Palmyre-8a.jpg|right|thumb|At [[La Palmyre Zoo]], France]]
The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and [[habitat loss]]. Annual grass fires set by farmers can destroy nest trees, and regions previously inhabited by this macaw are now unsuitable due to cattle-ranching, [[hydroelectric]] power schemes, [[agriculture]] and plantations. Locally, it has been hunted for food, and the [[Kayapo]] Indians of Gorotire in south-central Brazil use its [[feather]]s to make headdresses and other baubles. While overall greatly reduced in numbers, it remains locally common in the Brazilian Pantanal, where a specific program, the ''Hyacinth Macaw Project'', among others involving artificial nests and awareness campaigns, has been initiated by several ecolodges, and many ranch-owners now protect the macaws on their land.
The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and [[habitat loss]]. In the 1980s, it is estimated that at least 10,000 birds were taken from the wild.<ref name="Birdlife" /> Throughout the macaw’s range, habitat is being lost or altered due to the introduction of cattle ranching and mechanised agriculture, and the development of hydroelectric schemes.<ref name="Birdlife" /> Annual grass fires set by farmers can destroy nest trees, and regions previously inhabited by this macaw are now unsuitable also due to [[agriculture]] and plantations. Locally, it has been hunted for food, and the [[Kayapo]] Indians of Gorotire in south-central Brazil use its [[feather]]s to make headdresses and other baubles. While overall greatly reduced in numbers, it remains locally common in the Brazilian Pantanal, where many ranch-owners now protect the macaws on their land.

The Hyacinth Macaw is protected by law in Brazil and international trade is prohibited by its listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).<ref name="CITES" /> There are a number of long-term studies and conservation initiatives in place; the Hyacinth Macaw Project in the Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul, has carried out important research by ringing individual birds and has created a number of artificial nests to compensate for the small percentage of sites available in the region.<ref name="WWF" />


The [[Minnesota Zoo]] with BioBrasil <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mnzoo.com/conservation/conservation_world_hyMacaw.asp|title= BioBrasil and the Minnesota Zoo working to save Hyacinth Macaws|publisher=Minnesota Zoo|accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> and [[World Wildlife Fund]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/projects/item8605.html|title=The Hyacinth Macaw Makes a Comeback|author=Brouwer, Meindert|publisher=World Wildlife Fund|accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> are involved in Hyacinth Macaw conservation.
The [[Minnesota Zoo]] with BioBrasil <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mnzoo.com/conservation/conservation_world_hyMacaw.asp|title= BioBrasil and the Minnesota Zoo working to save Hyacinth Macaws|publisher=Minnesota Zoo|accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> and [[World Wildlife Fund]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/projects/item8605.html|title=The Hyacinth Macaw Makes a Comeback|author=Brouwer, Meindert|publisher=World Wildlife Fund|accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> are involved in Hyacinth Macaw conservation.
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{{commons category|Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus}}
{{commons category|Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus}}
*[http://ibc.lynxeds.com/species/hyacinth-macaw-anodorhynchus-hyacinthinus Hyacinth Macaw videos] on the Internet Bird Collection.
*[http://ibc.lynxeds.com/species/hyacinth-macaw-anodorhynchus-hyacinthinus Hyacinth Macaw videos] on the Internet Bird Collection.
* {{ARKive|hyacinth-macaw|anodorhynchus-hyacinthinus}}
* [http://www.bluemacaws.org The Blue Macaws website].
* [http://www.bluemacaws.org The Blue Macaws website].
* [http://www.earlham.edu/~chickha/hyacinth/hyacinth.htm Hyacinth Macaw entry from Earlham College].
* [http://www.earlham.edu/~chickha/hyacinth/hyacinth.htm Hyacinth Macaw entry from Earlham College].
* [http://www.realmacaw.com/pages/hycolor.html How the Hyacinth Macaw got its Markings - a folk tale].
* [http://www.realmacaw.com/pages/hycolor.html How the Hyacinth Macaw got its Markings - a folk tale].
*[http://vireo.acnatsci.org/search.html?Form=Search&SEARCHBY=Common&KEYWORDS=hyacinth+macaw&showwhat=images&AGE=All&SEX=All&ACT=All&Search=Search&VIEW=All&ORIENTATION=All&RESULTS=24 Hyacinth Macaw photo gallery] VIDEO.
*[http://vireo.acnatsci.org/search.html?Form=Search&SEARCHBY=Common&KEYWORDS=hyacinth+macaw&showwhat=images&AGE=All&SEX=All&ACT=All&Search=Search&VIEW=All&ORIENTATION=All&RESULTS=24 Hyacinth Macaw photo gallery] VIDEO.

*Audio File of the Hyacinth Macaw http://www.freesound.org/samplesViewSingle.php?id=56513.
*Audio File of the Hyacinth Macaw http://www.freesound.org/samplesViewSingle.php?id=56513.


Revision as of 09:37, 19 July 2011

This article is about the bird. For the play by Mac Wellman, see The Hyacinth Macaw.

Hyacinth Macaw
In the Brazilian Pantanal
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Psittaciformes
Family:
Psittacidae
Genus:
Anodorhynchus
Species:
A. hyacinthinus
Binomial name
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
(Latham, 1790)
The Hyacinth Macaw's distribution is colored in red

Native to central and eastern South America, the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), or Hyacinthine Macaw, is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species in the world, though the flightless Kakapo of New Zealand can outweigh it at up to 3.5 kg. In terms of length it is larger than any other species of parrot. While generally easily recognized, it can be confused with the far rarer and smaller Lear's Macaw. Their popularity as pets has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild, and as a result they are classified as Endangered (EN - A1bcd+2bcd) on the IUCN Red List 2002,[1] and listed on Appendix II of CITES.[2]

Description

The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest parrot in the world,[3] 100 cm (3.3 ft) long from the tip of its tail to the top of its head and 1.2–1.7 kg (2.6–3.7 lb) in weight.[4][5] Each wing is 388–425 mm (15.3–16.7 in) long.[4] Its feathers are entirely blue, lighter above and darker on its wings.[4] It has a large black curved beak. It has bright-yellow bare skin at the base of its lower beak and an eyering of yellow bare skin circling its eyes.[6] Male and female have identical external appearances.[4] The tail is particularly long.[7]

Behaviour

Upper body

Food and feeding

The majority of the hyacinth macaw diet is comprised of nuts from native palms, such as acuri and bocaiuva palms.[8] They have a very strong beak for eating the kernels of hard nuts and seeds. Their strong beaks are even able to crack coconuts, the large brazil nut pods and macadamia nuts.The acuri nut is so hard that the parrots cannot feed on it until it has passed through the digestive system of cattle.[8] In addition, they eat fruits and other vegetable matter. Pine nuts are also one of the most popular foods. In the Pantanal, Hyacinth Macaws feed almost exclusively on the nuts of Acrocomia aculeata and Attalea phalerata palm trees.

Reproduction

Nesting takes place between July and December, nests are constructed in tree cavities or cliff faces depending on the habitat.[7] In the Pantanal region, 90% of nests are constructed in manduvi trees; existing holes are enlarged and then filled with sawdust.[8] The clutch size is one or two eggs,[8] although usually only one fledgling survives[8] as the second egg hatches several days after the first, and the smaller fledgling cannot compete with the first born for food. The incubation period lasts about a month, and the male will tend to his mate whilst she incubates the eggs.[8] Although fledging occurs when the chicks are around 3 months old they remain dependent on their parents until 6 months of age.[8] They are mature and begin breeding at seven years of age. Eggs are regularly predated by corvids, possums, coatis and (most prolifically) toucans.[9] Adults have no known natural predators.[5]

Distribution and habitat

Hyacinth Macaws in their natural habitat, the Pantanal, Brazil.

The Hyacinth Macaw survives today in three main populations in South America: In the Pantanal region of Brazil, and adjacent eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay, in the Cerrado region of the eastern interior of Brazil (Maranhão, Piauí, Bahia, Tocantins, Goiás, Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais), and in the relatively open areas associated with the Tocantins River, Xingu River, Tapajós River, and the Marajó island in the eastern Amazon Basin of Brazil. It is possible that smaller, fragmented populations occur in other areas. It prefers palm swamps, woodlands, and other semi-open wooded habitats. It usually avoids dense humid forest, and in regions dominated by such habitats, it is generally restricted to the edge or relatively open sections (e.g. along major rivers). In different areas of their range these parrots are found in savannah grasslands, in dry thorn forest known as 'caatinga', and in palm stands.[7]

Conservation

At La Palmyre Zoo, France

The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species due to overcollection for the cage bird trade and habitat loss. In the 1980s, it is estimated that at least 10,000 birds were taken from the wild.[7] Throughout the macaw’s range, habitat is being lost or altered due to the introduction of cattle ranching and mechanised agriculture, and the development of hydroelectric schemes.[7] Annual grass fires set by farmers can destroy nest trees, and regions previously inhabited by this macaw are now unsuitable also due to agriculture and plantations. Locally, it has been hunted for food, and the Kayapo Indians of Gorotire in south-central Brazil use its feathers to make headdresses and other baubles. While overall greatly reduced in numbers, it remains locally common in the Brazilian Pantanal, where many ranch-owners now protect the macaws on their land.

The Hyacinth Macaw is protected by law in Brazil and international trade is prohibited by its listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).[2] There are a number of long-term studies and conservation initiatives in place; the Hyacinth Macaw Project in the Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul, has carried out important research by ringing individual birds and has created a number of artificial nests to compensate for the small percentage of sites available in the region.[8]

The Minnesota Zoo with BioBrasil [10] and World Wildlife Fund[11] are involved in Hyacinth Macaw conservation.

References

  1. ^ "IUCN Red List". 2003-04. Retrieved 2003-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help) - via ARKive
  2. ^ a b "Welcome to CITES". 2003-04. Retrieved 2003-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help) - via ARKive
  3. ^ "background hyacinth macaw". Foundation for the Preservation of the Hyacinth Macaw. Retrieved 19 July 2011. - via ARKive
  4. ^ a b c d Forshaw (2006). plate 70.
  5. ^ a b http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Anodorhynchus_hyacinthinus.html
  6. ^ "Species factsheet: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus". BirdLife International (2008). Retrieved 2008-07-24.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) - BirdLife species factsheet". Birdlife. Retrieved 2003-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); no-break space character in |title= at position 30 (help) - via ARKive
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h ""Hyacinth Macaw"". WWF. - via ARKive
  9. ^ http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0313-hance_macaws.html
  10. ^ "BioBrasil and the Minnesota Zoo working to save Hyacinth Macaws". Minnesota Zoo. Retrieved 2007-08-24.
  11. ^ Brouwer, Meindert. "The Hyacinth Macaw Makes a Comeback". World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 2007-08-24.

Cited texts

Further reading

  • Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is endangered, and the criteria used.
  • del Hoyo et al., 1997. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 4.
  • Caldas, Sergio T. and L Candiasani. 2005. Arara-Azul. DBA Dórea Books and Art, São Paulo, São Paulo.
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