Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara Ararauna)

The blue-and-yellow macaw is one of the most popular macaw species. Reaching up to 86 cm in length and weighing up to 1.3 kg, it is among the largest macaws. While classified as "Least Concern" in the wild, its population size is currently unknown. The blue-and-yellow macaw is the most commonly kept macaw in captivity, with the international zoological database ZIMS recording 413 institutions housing nearly 4000 individuals. In the wild, this species inhabits the tropical rainforests of South America, from Panama to Colombia. Like all macaws, the blue-and-yellow macaw is strictly monogamous and nests in tree cavities, laying 2 to 4 white eggs, which are incubated for 23–27 days. The nestlings hatch blind and without feathers, relying on their parents for care. They reach sexual maturity around the age of four. Outside the breeding season, blue-and-yellow macaws can be found in flocks of over 20 individuals, often alongside other parrot species. At night, they roost high in the tree canopy, and during the day, they feed on fruits and leaves within the forest. They tend to be shy and cautious around humans. In captivity, they can live up to 50 years. A closely related species, the blue-throated macaw (*Ara glaucogularis*), is similar in appearance but smaller, with a distinctive blue throat. Unlike the blue-and-yellow macaw, the blue-throated macaw is critically endangered and is found only in Bolivia.