Hyacinth Macaw
Grasslands, forest edges
Endangered
30-50 years
Up to 4 lbs, 3 ft long
Nuts, seeds, fruit
The population of hyacinth macaws in the wild has declined rapidly due to illegal pet trade and habitat loss. New initiatives to prevent illegal trading have been put in place, including the installation of artificial nest boxes and greater law enforcement.
Hyacinth macaws will use their powerful beaks with more than 300 pounds of pressure to break open palm nuts, their main food source. Females lay 2-3 eggs each breeding season with one chick usually making it to adulthood.
You can see our Hyacinth Macaws on exhibit just inside of Entry Village.
We participate in the Amazon Conservation Project, providing molted feathers to native tribes in South America. We also participate in the Hyacinth Macaw Species Survival Plan®.