About this species
The blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), also known as the blue-and-gold macaw, is a large Neotropical parrot with a mostly blue dorsum, light yellow/orange venter, and gradient hues of green on top of its head. It is a member of the large group of neotropical parrots known as macaws. It inhabits forest (especially varzea, but also in open sections of terra firme or unflooded forest), woodland, and savannah of tropical Central and South America, as well as the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. They are popular in aviculture because of their striking color, ability to talk, ready availability in the marketplace, and close bonding to humans.
Where it occurs
Eastern Panama and Colombia eastward to Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil, southward to Bolivia and east-central Brazil; formerly occurred in Trinidad (recently reintroduced), Paraguay (where small population persists?, and perhaps northern Argentina.
Conservation record
AviList v2025b records this species as least concern. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.
