Spix’s Macaw

Spix’s macaw, also known as little blue macaw, is a medium-sized parrot having its roots in Northeast Brazil. Its plumage is mostly in blue. Although males and females are almost similar in appearance, on average, females are a bit smaller.

Spix’s Macaw

Scientific Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Psittaciformes
Superfamily	Psittacoidea
Family	Psittacidae
Subfamily	Arinae
Tribe	Arini
Genus	Cyanopsitta
Species	Cyanopsitta spixii

Spix’s Macaw

Spix’s Macaw Pictures

Quick Information
Other Names	Little blue macaw
Size	55 to 57 cm (21.5 to 23.5 inch)
Wingspan	Around 64 cm
Weight	Around 300 grams
Color	Mostly in blue shades with grey-blue head, light blue underparts, vivid blue upperparts with brownish- black legs and feet
Distribution	Northeast Brazil, mostly in Rio Sao Francisco Valley in the state of Bahia
Habitat	Stunted trees, thorny shrubs, and cacti, buriti palm swamps
Sound and call	“Whichaka” (mating call); It also makes squawking sounds
Clutch	4 to 7 eggs
Incubation Period	25 to 28 days
Fledge date	Around 70 days
How long do Spix’s Macaw live	Between 20 to 40 years (average being 28 to 29 years)
Diet	Seeds and nuts
IUCN Conservation Status	Critically endangered and probably extinct in the wild

Spix’s Macaw Birds

Spix’s Macaw as Pets

Housing

Large planted flights are required with attached shelters. As they are heavy chewers, wooden constructions are not recommended. Metal structures with strong mesh are usually used.

Cage Accessories: As they enjoy chewing, they need a regular supply of fresh branches and tree trumps. They need these for entertainment purpose as well as to trim their strong beaks.

Baby Spix’s Macaw

Care

Since they are fond of bathing, water in small containers can be kept in their enclosures.

Temperature

They should not be exposed to temperatures below 20°C or 68°F.

Spix’s Macaw Flying

Behavior

Spix’s Macaw’s engaging and vibrant behavior makes them one of the most preferred pets. In addition to being lively and playful, they are known to be quite noisy as well.

Diet

They mostly feed on various types of seeds and nut, while fruits and vegetables like apples, banana, plum, cucumbers, carrots can be included in their diet. Pigeon food and tree bark can also be given. Supply of avian vitamin and mineral supplements is necessary as well.

Lifespan

On the basis of research, the captive population is known to live around 10 years longer than the wild ones.

Health Problems

Keep an eye out for feather plucking, droopy eyes, and watery droppings as these are all signs of ailments. Make a quick trip to a vet if you notice any of these.

Price

A price of a Spix’s macaw owing to the lack of its availability, has gone up to $200,000.

Spix’s Macaw Birds Picture

Interesting Facts

They are initially shy when caught in the wild but, gets acclimatized with the caretaker quite easily.
In the 2011 animated movie Rio, the lead characters of Blu and Jewel were Spix’s macaws.
The destruction of the Caraiba forest and other human activities over the last 500 years is thought to be responsible for Spix’s macaw’s extinction in the wild. In addition to these, trapping for illegal trade posed a threat to the species and is responsible for its dwindling population.