Hyacinth macaw

Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

Description:

The Hyacinth Macaw is a parrot native to central and eastern South America. With a length of about 100 cm it is longer than any other species of parrot. It is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species. While generally easily recognized, it can be confused with the far rarer and smaller Lear's Macaw. Habitat loss and trapping wild birds for the pet trade has taken a heavy toll on their population in the wild, and as a result the species is classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, and it is protected by its listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Habitat:

Nashville zoo.

Notes:

I rarely post zoo spottings but these guys are endangered plus they were being so affectionate I couldn't resist sharing!

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8 Comments

KarenL 12 years ago

Thanks Frank! I feel like I need lots more practice, especially on the birds - most of the little blighters round here don't hang around long enough for me to get a decent shot! :)

FrankPortillo 12 years ago

You have fantastic photographs! All of them!

KarenL 12 years ago

Thanks wildlifewatcher!

wildlifewatcher 12 years ago

I saw two birds just like these at the Chattanooga Aquarium. Almost the same pose in the picture also. Beautiful shot!

KarenL 12 years ago

I got this information from the zoo's website -

NASHVILLE ZOO PARROT FEATHER PROJECT
Native peoples, especially shamans (medicine men), have long used parrot feathers to create elaborate headdresses and costumes used in sacred rituals and ceremonies. However, due to habitat destruction and over collection for the pet trade, many parrots, including the hyacinth macaw, are now endangered or threatened, and it is no longer sustainable to harvest the birds for the feathers.

Nashville Zoo and ACT (Amazon Conservation Team) along with other zoos across the country, have joined in a special project to help the conservation of these species. The project includes collecting feathers as they are molted (fall out). After they are collected, they are sent to ACT, who distributes them to shamans for use in headdresses. This simple act will help save many birds, as well as preserve native cultures.

KarenL 12 years ago

Izaias, I believe Hyacinth macaws are part of the breeding program at Nashville zoo. I am not sure if the program includes returning any of the progeny of these birds to the wild, but it would be fantastic if it does.