Brightly colored and highly intelligent birds can make great but challenging pets, and the Blue-Throated Macaw is no different. These gorgeous birds are full of attitude and sass but can also be sweet and gentle under the right circumstances. If you’ve considered making the big investment in this expensive bird that might outlive you, then keep reading for more info on the Blue-Throated Macaw.
Species Overview
| Common Names: | Blue-Throated Macaw, Caninde Macaw, Wagler’s Macaw, barba azul/blue beard |
| Scientific Name: | Ara glaucogularis |
| Adult Size: | 30-33 inches with 3-foot wingspan |
| Life Expectancy: | 35-80 years |
Origin and History
The Blue-Throated Macaw is native only to Northern Bolivia, and they are considered to be one of the rarest Macaws in the world. It’s estimated that fewer than 400 Blue-Throated Macaws still exist in the wild today, making them critically endangered. While many factors have led to the decline of this species, one is that these birds were hunted by Bolivian natives until 2010 for their colorful plumage, which is used to make ritual headdresses. Other factors include the pet trade, nesting competition, and living in a small geographical area. Although they are critically endangered in the wild, these birds are widely kept in the pet trade and are popular in zoos across the world.
