Blue-and-Gold Macaw

Ara ararauna South America • Rainforest & Savanna
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), also known as the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, is one of the most iconic and beloved large parrots in aviculture. Famous for its brilliant azure-blue upperparts, rich golden-yellow underparts, and long graceful tail, this majestic macaw is highly intelligent, social, and capable of forming strong bonds with its owners. With a powerful beak and playful personality, it is a stunning centerpiece for spacious aviaries or experienced keepers who can provide the attention and enrichment these long-lived birds require.

General Description

Common Name Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Blue-and-Yellow Macaw)
Latin Name Ara ararauna
Family Psittacidae • Macaws
Adult Size 81–91 cm (32–36 in), with long tail
Weight 900–1,500 g (2–3.3 lb)
Life Span 40–60+ years (up to 80 reported in captivity)
Sexual Maturity 3–6 years
Clutch Size 2–4 eggs
Gender Difference No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. Males and females look nearly identical; DNA testing or surgical sexing is required.
Natural Habitat Tropical rainforests, varzea forests, savanna woodlands, and palm swamps.
Origin / Range Central and South America: Panama to northern Argentina and Trinidad.
Care Level Advanced • Needs large space, strong enrichment, and experienced keeper
Ara ararauna - Blue-and-Gold Macaw
Ara ararauna • Classic adult plumage

ICONIC NEOTROPICAL MACAW • VIBRANT & INTELLIGENT

Plumage & Features

The Blue-and-Gold Macaw displays one of the most striking colour contrasts in the parrot world: brilliant aqua to deep blue on the back, wings, and tail, contrasting with rich golden-yellow to orange on the underparts and undersides of the wings. The forehead is typically lime-green, fading into blue. The face has bare white skin with fine black feather lines forming a striped pattern around the eyes. The large, powerful beak is black, the throat has a black patch, and the legs are grey with black talons. Adult eyes are pale yellow to light grey.

Note: There are no recognised subspecies, though some populations may show deeper blue tones. Juveniles have darker eyes and duller plumage that brightens with maturity.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Ara Genus
South America
Iconic Companion Macaw