• COMMON NAMES: Blue and gold macaw, blue and yellow macaw
• SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ara ararauna
• ADULT SIZE: 33 inches from beak to tail feathers, wingspan can reach 40 inches or more, and they typically weigh over 2 pounds
• LIFE EXPECTANCY: Can live 60 or more years, although most live about 30 years; some blue and golds have lived up to 100 or more. Blue and Gold Macaw For Sale

Origin and History

 

In the wild, blue and gold macaws enjoy a wide range from Panama in Central America, extending into almost every country of northern South America. They have also been introduced in Puerto Rico.

Blue and golds typically live in the forests near rivers and swamps, though they can be found in a grassy savannah if it has tall trees. Most often traveling in pairs, macaws will gather in large flocks at certain times of the year or will meet up during the morning and evening hours to forage for food.

Wild blue and golds are an endangered species. Much of their population decline in the wild has been due to habitat destruction, hunting, and trapping. Sadly, before captive breeding programs, these young birds were quite often taken directly from the nest and sold for the pet trade. Many defensive parents died protecting their babies, and many young parrots did not survive.

Since 1935, the blue and golds have been bred successfully in the U.S. Breeders are readily available, and their prevalence makes them one of the more affordable large parrots.

Temperament

Their sociability and even, sweet disposition makes blue and gold macaws a great pet. Their intelligence, willingness to learn, and talking ability are a plus.

When allowed to socialize with a variety of people, blue and golds do very well adapting to different people and other birds. The blue and gold is a fantastic bird for tricks. They’re a popular headliner at bird shows, and many owners may even take them out around town with the help of bird leashes and car seats.

Around the house, these macaws may act like friendly dogs. They enjoy being near their owners and seek out attention. They are also content on their perch, watching the activity around them.

Speech and Vocalizations

Blue and gold macaws are capable of ear-shattering calls, which are usually not appreciated by close neighbors. They are not the best choice for those who live in apartments and condominiums or if you have small children who are startled by noise.

This bird is a great talker; it can learn quickly and aims to please. Training is relatively simple as long as you are consistent. They can learn a vocabulary of around 20 words and phrases. Given the clarity of their voice, many people consider them one of the best talking parrots.

Blue and Gold Macaw Colors and Markings

 

The popular name for blue and gold macaws is derived from its two most conspicuous feather colors. Typically, they have a green forehead that fades into a teal blue neck, back, tail, and wings. The breast, bottom of the wings, and abdomen have a brilliant golden yellow color.

These birds have big black beaks and a patch of black feathers directly below the beak. White patches of skin covered with small black feather rings encircle and cover the majority of their eyes and face.

Blue and gold macaws are monotypic, which means that there is just one member of the species. However, bird specialists argue that there are two subspecies or variants. These include the Bolivian blue and gold macaw, a bigger bird with a bluer hue than the normal turquoise, and the blue-throated macaw, whose neck is teal blue rather than black.

This type of bird is monomorphic, which means that men and females are almost identical. The only means to confirm the sex of this macaw is by surgical or genetic sexing, since many felt the male had a flatter skull and the female has a narrower beak.

Caring for a Blue and Gold Macaw

 

Like most macaws, the blue and gold thrives on attention from its owner and will form a strong bond with its family members. Take time to socialize these birds properly and to provide them with adequate mental stimulation; otherwise, they might resort to screaming out of boredom.

These raucous birds require a cage that is at a minimum at least 5-feet tall and at least 3- or 4-feet wide and long. The bird needs lots of room to stretch its wings, hop and climb around, and keep itself occupied.

Some owners even have a dedicated, bird-safe room. Since these birds gnaw on almost anything, remove electrical wires, jewelry, and wooden furniture. Another consideration before you commit to getting this bird is the cost of ownership. In addition to the cost of the bird, think about the avian veterinarian bills, high-quality feed, and the accessory costs for a cage, play stand, and toys.

Common Health Problems

Macaws may be long-lived birds, but they are susceptible to macaw wasting syndrome and enlarged beaks, as do all parrots. Similar to other parrots, blue and golds may self-mutilate by plucking their feathers if they feel ignored or bored. A balanced diet and sufficient activity are required to preserve the health of pet birds. This bird is susceptible to nutritional diseases, including as obesity, fatty liver disease, and fatty tumors.

Diet and Nutrition

 

The majority of macaws, including the blue-and-gold macaw, consume a range of seeds, plant matter, fruits, and nuts in the wild. The diet of blue and gold macaws in captivity should include as many different kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables as feasible. Additionally, the bird should be fed a high-quality pelleted meal including nutritious seeds such as flax, hemp, and chia. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of nut confections, since they are heavy in fat.

Depending on its size, each macaw consumes daily around 1/2 to 3/4 cup of parrot mix and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fruits and vegetables. You may feed it once in the morning upon awakening and once in the evening before to bedtime. Remove any uneaten food before night.

Apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes, oranges, bananas, mangoes, papayas, and berries are suitable fruits for macaws. Carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and leafy greens are all nutritious veggies. Avocado, chocolate, and rhubarb are harmful to birds; never feed them. 4 As a training reward, provide nuts such as macadamias, walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts.

Exercise of Blue and Gold Macaw

The blue and gold macaw is a lively bird. They like climbing, swinging, bouncing, and chewing. Every day, the bird should have at least two to three hours of playing outside of its cage in order to stretch and strengthen its muscles.

These birds possess robust jaw muscles. Chewing and gnawing are required to maintain healthy and fit jaws. 1 Due to the destructive nature of the blue and gold macaw’s beak, durable toys are required. Furnish leather toys that are safe for birds to chew, and provide replacements when they are damaged.

Toys with nooks and crannies that encourage exploration give cerebral stimulation. The bird utilizes its large beak to inspect objects. A bird derives pleasure from ripping things apart or tearing them apart.