The Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), also known as the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, is a large, intelligent, and vividly colored parrot native to Central and South American rainforests. Renowned for their brilliant blue and golden-yellow plumage, playful personalities, and strong bonding abilities, these macaws are highly sought after by experienced parrot owners.
Blue-and-Gold Macaw Characteristics
Size: 30–34 inches (76–86 cm) in length, with a long tail.
Weight: 900–1,200 grams.
Lifespan: 40–60+ years with proper care.
Color: Vibrant blue wings and back, golden-yellow chest and underside, green forehead, and white facial skin lined with black feathers.
Temperament: Intelligent, playful, social, and vocal.
Blue-and-Gold Macaw Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Blue-and-Gold Macaws are affectionate, social, and intelligent parrots that form strong bonds with their owners. They enjoy cuddling, head scratches, learning tricks, and talking (though their speech clarity varies individually).
They are highly vocal, producing loud calls, screams, and chatter, making them unsuitable for those seeking a quiet pet.
Blue-and-Gold Macaws require daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They thrive in active households where they are included in daily activities.
Diet and Feeding
A balanced and varied diet is crucial for your Blue-and-Gold Macaw’s health:
Pellets: Should form the staple of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes.
Fruits (moderation): Apples, berries, mango, papaya.
Nuts: Used for enrichment and healthy fats, but in moderation.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Large cages or aviaries are essential; minimum 36” x 48” x 60” with 1–1.5 inch bar spacing.
- Exercise: 4–6 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily.
- Enrichment: Chew toys, ropes, foraging toys, and training sessions to stimulate their intelligent minds.
- Social needs: Daily social interaction and inclusion in household activities are essential.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and bathing opportunities to maintain feather condition.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet visits for preventive health care.
Common Health Problems
Blue-and-Gold Macaws can develop:
- Feather plucking: Due to boredom or stress.
- Nutritional deficiencies: If diet lacks variety.
- Fatty liver disease: From excessive high-fat foods.
- Psittacosis: A bacterial infection transmissible to humans.
Regularly monitor their droppings, feather condition, appetite, and behavior, and seek prompt avian veterinary care if concerns arise.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $2,000–$5,000 USD depending on breeder, age, and region.
- Where to buy:
- Ethical breeders who hand-raise and socialize chicks.
- Avian specialty stores with health records.
- Parrot rescues or adoption organizations.
Macaws require long-term commitment due to their size, lifespan, and daily care needs.
Are Blue-and-Gold Macaws Good Pets?
Blue-and-Gold Macaws can be outstanding companions for experienced owners ready to meet their space, time, and social needs.
They are affectionate, playful, and highly interactive.
However, they require daily mental stimulation, attention, and tolerance for loud vocalizations.
Conservation Note
Although Blue-and-Gold Macaws have stable populations in some areas, habitat destruction and illegal trade pose threats. Choose captive-bred birds from ethical breeders or adopt from rescues to support conservation-friendly practices.