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Ara ararauna (AKA Blue & Gold Macaw)
The Blue and gold Macaw is 32-34 inches long
Forehead and front top of crown is an emerald green, which blends into a bright blue for the rest of the head. The throat has a black "beard" and the rest of the underside of the bird is a bright, saffron yellow. The cheeks of the bird are bare (as are the cheeks of most macaws) with black stripes of tiny feathers. Primaries are a dark, almost royal blue, the tail coverts a light electric blue, and the bill is black, the feet dark grey. Babies have dark eyes, while adult eyes are an ice-blue.
This is the most available macaw. They are adaptable, and enjoy being in social situations. Blue and Golds are very curious, even more so than other macaws. They are people pleasers, love to performing tricks, and just enjoy being around people.
These macaws, like all large parrots, require lots of wood to chew on and will not distinguish between your house's trim and a piece of two by four, so make sure they have a ready supply of chewing toys.
Macaws need more fat in their diet than most parrots, and mixed nuts in the shell are a favorite treat that helps supply this need. Most macaw owners also offer their Blue and Golds a variety of foods including pellets, a high-quality seed mix, various bean and pasta mixes and bird breads, fresh vegetables, fruit, and healthy human foods from the dinner table.
With care, these birds may live a human life span, so plan accordingly.
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