Blue-throated macaw

The blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis), also referred to as the Caninde macaw or Wagler's macaw, is a strikingly beautiful and critically endangered parrot species endemic to a very limited area in north-central Bolivia, specifically the Los Llanos de Moxos region. This species is legally recognized as a natural patrimony of Bolivia, highlighting its cultural and ecological significance.

Description and Identification

Adult blue-throated macaws typically measure around 85 cm in length, including their tail feathers, and possess a wingspan of approximately 90 cm. Their weight ranges from 900 to 1100 grams. While sexual dimorphism is not strongly pronounced, males tend to be slightly larger than females. The plumage is characterized by turquoise-blue upperparts, with brighter turquoise on the rump, and bright yellow underparts, with a pale blue vent. A key distinguishing feature is the bare facial patch, which is marked by fine blue feather stripes that merge into a blue lower cheek and throat. The patterns of these facial feather stripes are unique to each individual, serving as a means for identification. Adults have yellow irises, which mature from brown in juveniles and black in nestlings, with the golden hue increasing with age.

Distribution and Habitat

This macaw's natural habitat is confined to the Llano de Moxos of the Beni Department in Bolivia. They are not forest-dwellers but are found in a landscape comprising grasslands, marshes, and scattered forest islands, often along waterways. They typically inhabit areas between 200 and 300 meters in elevation. Two main sub-populations exist, one to the northwest and another to the south of Trinidad, the capital city of Beni.

Behavior and Diet

Blue-throated macaws are generally found in monogamous pairs, though small groups of up to nine individuals have been observed, and a larger roosting group of 70 has been noted. They are diurnal and occupy a generally consistent home range. Communication primarily occurs through vocalizations, including loud alarm calls when danger is perceived and quieter caws for inter-individual communication. Their primary food source is the fruit of large palm species, notably Attalea phalerata, but they also consume fruits from Acrocomia aculeata and Mauritia flexuosa. They eat the fleshy mesocarp of ripe fruits and have been observed drinking the liquid from immature fruits.

Breeding and Nesting

Breeding typically occurs once a year, with the possibility of a second clutch if the first is lost. A clutch usually contains one to three eggs, which incubate for approximately 26 days. Nestlings weigh about 18 grams at hatching and fledge after 13 to 14 weeks. Young macaws remain dependent on their parents for food for an extended period after fledging, sometimes staying with them for up to a year, during which the parents may forgo breeding. Sexual maturity is reached around five years of age. They usually nest in cavities of palm trees, preferring dead palms that have been hollowed out by large grubs. Nesting pairs often seek new sites each year and compete for nesting holes with other large bird species, as well as bats and bees.

Conservation Status and Aviculture

The blue-throated macaw is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with a very small wild population estimated to be between 208 and 303 adult individuals. Threats include habitat loss from deforestation, nesting competition, predation, invasive species, disease, and historical hunting for indigenous headdresses and the pet trade. Conservation efforts include monitoring nests, providing supplemental feeding for chicks, building and improving nest boxes, and establishing protected reserves. In aviculture, the species is relatively available, with a captive population of around 1000–1100 individuals. They are sometimes kept as companion parrots, known for being outgoing and affectionate when tame, though they are also intelligent and can be destructive. They may mimic a few words but are not renowned talkers. Permanent indoor housing is not recommended, and they require extensive enclosures. The species has a potential lifespan exceeding 50 years in captivity. Conservation schemes in zoos aim to bolster populations and protect remaining wild individuals.