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Common Name:
Macaw - Blue Headed
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Blue Headed Macaw
Photo: Amanda Garrett
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Common Name:  Macaw - Blue Headed

Other Common Names:  Coulon's Macaw

Scientific Name:  Ara couloni  (Full Taxonomy)

Group:  Mini Macaw

Origin or Range:  South America

Relative Size:  Average  
    (as compared to other parrots)

Average Lifespan:  ??? year(s)

Compatibility:  Average   
    (as compared to other parrots)

Category:  Birds » Parrots
Animal Description:  

The Blue Headed Macaw is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful species of Macaw in the world.

The Blue-Headed Macaw is not widely kept as a pet because it is extremely rare. It is on the CITES list as endangered. Blue-Headed Macaws live in Central America, near Peru and Bolivia. Not a whole lot is known about their habits in the wild. They tend live in small groups of two or three. In the wild they are usually only seen in flight. Their dietary preferences in the wild are largely unknown. In captivity they are known to do well on normal captive macaw diets. Like many other species of Macaw, the Blue Headed Macaw loves to chew, and particularly enjoys chewing branches. They are said to be relatively easy to tame in captivity and are relatively hardy.

The Blue-Headed Macaw is truly a beautiful species of Macaw. They are green overall, about two feet in total length. They have aqua colored cheek feathers and blue highlights beneath. Their tails are a deep, rich red color, the under part of the tail sporting yellow and green feathers. Immature individuals can be distinguished from adults by their darker irises.

The Blue Headed Macaw is native to South America. It is most commonly seen in Northern Bolivia, Eastern Peru and Western Brazil. These striking parrots are most commonly seen in forested areas. They are fairly adaptable and have been seen in populated areas as well. They are also known to have done quite well in cleared forest areas.

Specific Care Information: Relative Care Ease: Average

As is the case with many macaws, the Blue Headed Macaw is a little noisy. They generally do not require a whole lot of bathing. If you are keeping one of these birds, be sure to have them in a big enough enclosure - they need something around nine by six by five feet in diameter.

Breeding and Propagation: Relative Breeding Ease: Relatively Difficult

Rarely is this bird bred in captivity, because it is so difficult to obtain. They need a nest box 9 by 12 by 16 inches total with an entrance hole about three inches in diameter. They lay around four eggs and incubate them a month or so. They can breed twice a year. In the wild, they lay around four eggs or so and incubate for about a month. The baby parrots will fledge about 3 months after birth. In the wild the Blue Headed Macaw is reported to breed between October and April.

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Saturday, 4 July 2009