|
Size and Weight: Largest of the parrots, the Hyacinth
Macaw is up to 100 cm (40 inches) in length. Wingspan ranges from
about 117-127 cm (46-50 inches) and weight is 1200-1700 gms with
the hen usually being smaller.
Diet: This species is highly specialized in the wild,
feeding mostly on palm nuts of a few types. Hyacinths often eat
on the ground. They congregate at times around farm pastures and
forage through cattle droppings for nuts that have passed. It
may take 5 minutes or more to break through the shell of one of
these hard nuts. In captivity their diet may be up to 70% mixed
nuts.
Habitat and Distribution: This species is found in only
three areas of Brazil and the eastern border areas of Bolivia,
and in extreme NW Paraguay. Some of their range is rainforested
area but this is not a rainforest species. It is mostly found
in open forests and palm stands.
Status in the Wild: The wild population of Hyacinth Macaws
has been estimated at less than 5,000 birds with probably more
living in captivity than in the wild (Abramson, 1995). Declines
have been primarily due to illegal trade. They are currently listed
on Appendix I of CITES and are extremely vulnerable to extinction
in the wild. Recently, researchers have enlisted the services
of former poachers to locate, study and protect Hyacinth nest
sites. All commercial international trade is now prohibited.
Status in Captivity: This species was first bred in captivity
in 1971 in the United States. Successful breedings have since
been achieved by only a handful of private aviculturists and zoos.
Hyacinths generally need seclusion and just the right conditions
to breed successfully. They may cost $8-10,000 as pets or breeders.
Habits and Adaptations: In the wild Hyacinths live in
small groups of two to eight pairs with mated birds usually flying
in close proximity to one another within the "flock."
At feeding and roosting sites, they may be seen in large groups
of up to 100. They are considered relatively gentle as pets if
raised correctly and aren't usually as loud as other macaw species.
Breeding and Maturation: Breeding occurs during the dry
season beginning in July, later in the southernmost parts of their
range. Annually, perhaps as few as 15-30% of adult Hyacinths breed.
Nests are found in holes in rocky cliffs or in hollows of tall
trees. As many nest trees are felled by bird trappers in search
of nestlings, birds are being forced more and more to nest in
rock cliffs. Hyacinths usually lay 2 eggs, sometimes 3. Incubation
takes about 28 days. Young are slow to mature, fledging at about
4 months and remaining dependent on the parents for several years
if allowed. Rarely are more than one chick fledged. Captive birds
wean at 7-8 months.
Lifespan: Hyacinths may live up to 60 years or more.
Conservation Issues: All macaws are now vulnerable in
the wild because of hunting by native people, illegal trapping
for trade, conversion of habitat for farming and ranching, harvest
of trees for fuel, and industrial logging. Hyacinths in particular
have been greatly affected by uncontrolled collection for the
zoo and pet trades. Hyacinths are normally collected as adults
because young suffer a very high mortality rate. They are listed
on the IUCN Red list of endangered species. Hyacinths and their
relatives may be saved by a combination of research, in situ
management, education, and captive breeding.
BioBrasil Conservation Project
Bibliography:
Abramson, J., Speer, B., and Thomsen, J. 1995. The Large Macaws:
their care, breeding and conservation. Raintree Publications,
CA.
Adam, J. 1988. Those Heavenly Hyacinths. BirdTalk, December,
p. 96-102.
Forshaw, J. 1973. Parrots of the World. Lansdowne Press, Australia.
Low, R. 1986 Parrots: Their Care and Breeding. Revised and Expanded
edition. Blandford Press, Ltd.Marshall, T. 1992. The Aviaries
of Bill Bennett- Hyacinth Haven. AFA Watchbird. April/May, p.
54-57.
Munn, C. The Real Macaws. Animal Kingdom, September-October,
p. 20-31.
Photo: ©Kenneth Fink, Photo Researchers Inc., for Defenders
of Wildlife
|