We’re shining the spotlight on a parrot species each month, and for January it’s the Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) - one of the most instantly recognisable parrots in the world, famous for its sapphire-blue wings and golden chest.

Did you know?

Despite their bold colours and confident personalities, Blue-and-Gold Macaws are highly sensitive birds. They form deep emotional bonds, can be remarkably gentle, and are known for their expressive faces and surprisingly subtle body language. When relaxed and content, they’re often calm observers rather than constant noise machines (contrary to popular belief).

📏 Size: Around 80–90 cm (31–35 inches) from beak to tail - large, powerful parrots built for long-distance flight rather than quick agility.

🎂 Lifespan: Commonly 40–60 years in captivity with excellent care, nutrition, and veterinary support. Long-lived enough to be a genuine lifetime commitment.

🧠 Special Traits: Highly intelligent, emotionally complex, and extremely social. Blue-and-Gold Macaws require substantial mental stimulation, daily interaction, and space to move and fly. Without adequate enrichment, they are prone to frustration-related behaviours such as screaming or feather damage.

🌍 Native To: Central and South America, where they inhabit rainforests, woodland edges, and river basins. In the wild, they travel long distances daily in search of fruit, nuts, seeds, and mineral-rich clay licks.

🌿 Support Tip: Blue-and-Gold Macaws are often chosen for their beauty without full consideration of their needs. They thrive best with flight opportunities, varied enrichment, and a carefully balanced diet that supports liver health, feather quality, and long-term wellbeing.