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Have you heard of the Hyacinth Macaw? This stunning bird is one of the largest macaws and is truly beautiful. It is known for its vibrant blue feathers and is often called the blue parrot.  This species from the parrot family needs genuine care and attention and when taken care of properly can be the best companion for life. If you want to know more about this bird then you've come to the right place. Redbelly team is here with an article about Hyacinth Macaws. The article will take you through everything you need to know about the bird.  

Origin and appearance of the Hyacinth Macaw  

The scientific name for the Hyacinth Macaw is Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. Originally from Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, the hyacinth macaw lives primarily in the scrublands at the outskirts of the rainforest. Its wide range also includes grasslands and lightly forested areas. The bird was first described and cataloged by an English ornithologist and artist John Latham back in the year 1970. In recent years, the bird has experienced a steady decline in the population and ever since then, it has been listed as endangered species.  

Hyacinth Macaws can measure up to 40 inches when measured from beak to tail and a fully grown adult Hyacinth macaw can weigh around 3.5 pounds (1.5 Kgs). The birds are almost entirely blue except for a red forehead, face, and crown, yellow thighs and facial skin, and red bill and legs. The wings are dark blue with a blue leading edge. The upper back is dark brown and the belly is light blue. They have strongly hooked beak and zygodactylous feet (2 toes that point forward and 2 toes that point backward).  

Housing and care  

The right pet parent for a hyacinth macaw is someone who has either kept many birds successfully before or someone who has done a lot of research has consulted the bird diagnostics center experts and knows exactly what they’re getting into. Hyacinth Macaws consume a lot of space and require great care and maintenance.  

These large birds need an exceptionally large house. A “regular” cage isn’t sufficient and this bird is definitely not the right pick for apartment dwellers. Commercial cages are too small and the bird can easily break out of them. A custom cage or one of the very largest commercial cages would do, though a full room, patio or other safely enclosed, the bird-proofed place is better. All birds benefit from flying, and this bird will need a lot of space if it’s going to enjoy this important exercise. Even a hyacinth macaw with trimmed wing feathers needs plenty of space to flap and clamber around. So, be ready to devote a part of your home to this bird if you are willing to own it.  

Like the other members of the parrot family, this bird needs human interaction and attention too. They are social in nature and when left alone, can turn cranky and neurotic, and can begin to self-mutilate and scream excessively.  

Feeding  

Hyacinth macaws need a very specific and healthy diet. They feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, leafy greens, vegetables, and berries. The birds have a very strong beak, which is covered by a thin layer of horn. Their diet consists of about 83% of seeds and 17% of fresh fruits and vegetables. Though these birds feed on different kinds of foods depending on the season, their diet mainly consists of Eucalyptus seeds and Acacia seeds. Hyacinth Macaws require a large number of carbohydrates in their diet more than other parrots and hence it is important to include an ample amount of fruits, vegetables, and macadamia nuts. You can also get a special supplement from the avian food store that your Hyacinth Macaw is sure to enjoy feeding on.

Personality and Behavior  

Generally called a “gentle giant” the Hyacinth Macaw is indeed affectionate, but not as gentle as other birds are. Hyacinth Macaws subdue very easily, but they tend to want to play rough with other parrots, and with their owner. They are also one of the most intelligent parrots and highly sought after.  The birds are very fun-loving, delightful, and a healing force in most people's lives. Hyacinth Macaws don't tolerate abuse or negative treatment and can become withdrawn, depressed, and possibly ill if mistreated.  They enjoy the company of other blue Hyacinth Macaws, and other parrots as well, and do not like being alone in the cage. The birds are social and need regular attention and interaction from their owners. When not given enough attention, the birds might feel lonely, which in turn might turn severe and cause mental and physical health imbalances in them. Hyacinth Macaws are not the best talkers among the parrot species, but the birds are extremely loud and might imitate human voices as well.  

Average lifespan  

When taken care of properly, a Hyacinth macaw could live as long as 60 years and even more, but that will require plenty of dedication and attention. A healthy and balanced diet, proper housing, frequent interaction with the bird, and regular avian veterinary diagnostic center visits are a must.  

Exercise  

Hyacinth Macaws need physical exercises and mental stimulation to stay healthy. Without mental stimulation, they are more likely to develop neurotic behavior, such as feather plucking and screaming. One to two hours daily of exercise time is necessary for the overall health and well-being of your pet bird.  Hyacinth Macaw’s wings can be as large as four feet when spread wide, so you must give your macaw enough space to exercise its broad wings. Take your Macaw outside in a safe area. They might not be able to fly too far, but they will enjoy being out of the cage and will benefit from the fresh air and sun. A bigger area or a fully enclosed aviary is best for these birds. They love to play, so having toys that they can chew on and play with is a must. It is also a good idea to give them plenty of perches, chewable toys, and branches. This will not only keep them occupied but will also add up the strength to their beaks. Macaws are very intelligent birds, and if you spend quality time with them, they will bond closely with you.  

Common health issues

Just like every other bird, the Hyacinth Macaws suffer from a range of health issues. The first thing you should know as a Macaw’s owner is that your bird can suffer from an overgrown beak if it does not have the stuff to peak at, so make sure to keep its beak active by providing enough toys to chew and break. Just like other parrots in the Macaw species, your bird is susceptible to diseases like;

Proventricular dilation disease (macaw wasting disease)

Papillomas

Psittacosis

     To keep your bird healthy and active, ensure to feed it with the healthiest of foods and pay a regular    visit to an avian vet near you. Regular health checkups will help you understand your bird and its health better and makes the parenting journey easier for you and your feather friend.  

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a viral disease affecting all Old World and New World parrots. It attacks the feather follicles and the beak and claw matrices of the bird, causing progressive feather, claw and beak malformation and necrosis. In later stages of the disease, feather shaft constriction occurs, hampering development until eventually all feather growth stops. Cracking and peeling of the outer layers of the claws and beak make tissues vulnerable to secondary infection. Immunosuppression also occurs and the bird becomes more vulnerable to secondary infections. Beak fractures and necrosis of the hard palate can prevent the bird from eating. It occurs in both an acutely fatal form and a chronic form.