Blue-throated Macaw
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[Photo] Blue Throated Macaw at the Cincinnati Zoo. Author: Greg Hume

The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis, previously Ara caninde) is a bird endemic to a small area of Eastern Bolivia known as Los Llanos de Moxos. At present (2005), there are thought to be less than two hundred in the wild. The main cause of their demise was capture for the pet trade in the USA. Many breeding and conservation schemes in zoos have been set up to save this species.

They are not a forest dwelling bird, but live in the grasslands of Beni state of Bolivia, nesting in "Islas" (islands) of palm trees that dot the level plain. They weigh 750g and are 85cm long and are vivid in appearance with turquoise-blue wings and tail, and bright yellow underparts. They have a large bill, long tail, and yellow iris. They live and compete with the similar slightly larger blue-and-gold macaw, often losing out in the battle for nest holes.

They are relatively easy to breed in captivity, and there is quite a large pet population in the USA.

Ornithologists wishing to see this bird in the wild can make arrangements with several eco-tour companies located in the nearest large town, which is Trinidad.

Captive specimen can be seen in the Santa Cruz zoo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-throated_Macaw

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