The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest flying parrot species in the world, renowned for its brilliant cobalt-blue plumage and powerful beak capable of cracking Brazil nuts with ease. Native to central and eastern South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the Hyacinth Macaw is a gentle giant loved for its intelligence, affectionate personality, and striking appearance.
Hyacinth Macaw Characteristics
Size: 40 inches (100 cm) in length, with a wingspan of up to 4 feet.
Weight: 1,200–1,700 grams.
Lifespan: 50–80+ years with proper care.
Color: Deep cobalt-blue feathers, bare yellow skin around the eyes and beak base.
Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, gentle, and social.
Hyacinth Macaw Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Hyacinth Macaws are affectionate, intelligent, and social parrots, forming deep bonds with their owners. They are known for their gentle nature despite their size and enjoy being around people, engaging in play, and learning tricks.
They require significant daily attention and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related issues such as feather plucking or destructive chewing.
While they can be vocal, Hyacinth Macaws are generally less inclined to constant screaming than some other macaw species, but they still have loud calls, especially at dawn and dusk.
Diet and Feeding
Hyacinth Macaws require a specialized, balanced diet:
Nuts: Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts, and almonds should be a significant part of their diet, providing healthy fats and mental enrichment.
Pellets: High-quality, large parrot pellets should be included to provide balanced nutrition.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, squash.
Fruits (moderation): Apples, mango, berries, melon, papaya.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Extremely large cage or a dedicated indoor aviary is required; minimum 60” x 48” x 72” with strong 1.5-inch bar spacing.
- Exercise: 4–6 hours of supervised out-of-cage activity daily for wing exercise and mental stimulation.
- Enrichment: Foraging toys, sturdy chew toys, puzzle feeders, ropes, and training sessions to prevent boredom.
- Social needs: Daily human interaction and bonding time are essential.
- Hygiene: Regular cleaning of their cage/aviary and opportunities for bathing.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet check-ups with a focus on diet and calcium levels.
Common Health Problems
Hyacinth Macaws can experience:
- Feather plucking: Often due to boredom, stress, or inadequate diet.
- Calcium deficiencies: Common in Hyacinth Macaws; ensure a calcium-rich diet and exposure to natural sunlight or UVB lighting.
- Obesity: From excessive high-fat foods without enough exercise.
- Respiratory infections: From poor ventilation or humidity control.
Regular monitoring of behavior, droppings, and feather condition is critical, with prompt avian vet care for any abnormalities.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $10,000–$20,000+ USD, making them one of the most expensive parrots in the pet trade due to their rarity and specialized care requirements.
- Where to buy:
- Highly reputable, ethical breeders specializing in Hyacinth Macaws.
- Avian specialty facilities with clear health and socialization records.
- Rescue centers (rarely available, but occasionally possible).
Hyacinth Macaws require substantial financial commitment and long-term responsibility.
Are Hyacinth Macaws Good Pets?
Hyacinth Macaws can be extraordinary companions for highly experienced owners who can provide the space, time, diet, and specialized care these birds require.
They are affectionate, trainable, and intelligent, forming deep bonds with those who invest in their well-being.
However, their large size, dietary needs, and housing requirements make them best suited for advanced parrot keepers with ample resources.
Conservation Note
Hyacinth Macaws are classified as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade. Always purchase from ethical, captive-breeding programs or consider supporting conservation initiatives to protect wild populations.