Hyacinth Macaw
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
South America • Critically Iconic
IUCN Status
Vulnerable
The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest flying parrot in the world and arguably the most magnificent. Its entire body is covered in a deep, vibrant cobalt-blue plumage, with striking golden-yellow rings around the eyes and a matching yellow patch at the base of its massive black beak. Known for its gentle, affectionate nature and exceptional intelligence, the Hyacinth Macaw is a true “gentle giant” that forms incredibly strong bonds with its owners. Due to habitat loss and past trapping, it remains one of the most conservation-dependent macaw species.
General Description
| Common Name | Hyacinth Macaw |
| Latin Name | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus |
| Family | Psittacidae • Macaws |
| Adult Size | 100 cm (39 in) – the largest flying parrot |
| Weight | 1.2–1.7 kg (2.6–3.7 lb) |
| Life Span | 50–80+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 5–7 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–3 eggs |
| Gender Difference | No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. Males are usually slightly larger; DNA testing is required. |
| Natural Habitat | Palm-rich savannas, gallery forests, and edges of humid forests, especially areas with abundant acuri and bocaiuva palms. |
| Origin / Range | Central and eastern South America: Brazil (Pantanal and Cerrado), eastern Bolivia, and northern Paraguay. |
| Care Level | Advanced • Requires enormous space, strong enrichment, and very experienced keeper |
Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus • Adult showing iconic cobalt blue
THE LARGEST FLYING PARROT • GENTLE GIANT
Plumage & Features
The Hyacinth Macaw is famous for its uniform, deep cobalt-blue plumage that can appear almost violet in certain lighting. It has a large bare yellow patch at the base of its enormous black beak and matching yellow rings around the eyes. The tail is long and slightly darker blue. Unlike most other macaws, it has no red, green, or yellow on the body — just pure, intense blue with the signature golden facial markings.
There are no recognised subspecies. Juveniles have duller blue plumage and smaller yellow facial patches that expand as they mature. Its massive beak is specially adapted for cracking extremely hard palm nuts.
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix I
Anodorhynchus Genus
South America
Largest Flying Parrot