Blue-headed Macaw

Overview

The blue-headed macaw, or Coulon's macaw (Primolius couloni), is a small macaw native to eastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, and far western Brazil. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population range of 9,200 to 46,000 mature individuals.

Identification

• Length of approximately 41 cm with mainly green plumage, often tinged olive below, and a blue head, flight feathers, and primary coverts.
• Large, pale greyish-horn bill with a black base, and dull pinkish legs.
• Distinctive dark greyish facial skin and lores, unlike most other macaws, along with a whitish iris and a narrow maroon eye-ring.
• Call is higher-pitched and softer than that of most other macaws.

Habitat

Found in the south-west Amazon and adjacent east Andean foothills, preferring openings in humid forest such as riversides or clearings, as well as Moriche palm swamps and town outskirts. It occurs from lowlands up to an altitude of 1,550 m.

Did you know?

Despite being rare in captivity, it commands high prices in the wild bird trade, which has ranged from US$4,000 to US$12,500 in recent years, driven by a surge in illegal seizure reports.