Primolius couloni
The Blue-headed Macaw (*Primolius couloni*) is a striking, medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 41-43 cm (16-17 inches) in length and weighing around 270-290 grams (9.5-10.2 ounces). Its most distinctive feature is its brilliant cobalt-blue head, sharply contrasting with an otherwise vibrant green body plumage. The primary coverts are tipped with red, adding a flash of color to its wings, while the underside of the flight feathers and tail are yellowish-green. A pale, horn-colored bea...
This macaw primarily inhabits humid lowland evergreen rainforests, often found near rivers and at the edges of cloud forest, typically at elevations from 300 to 1550 meters (1,000 to 5,000 feet) in the Andean foothills.
Their diet mainly consists of a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries found in the forest canopy, supplemented by minerals obtained from clay licks. They are primary consumers, foraging predominantly in trees.
Blue-headed Macaws are diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, often seen flying swiftly in pairs or small family groups of up to ten individuals, though larger congregations can form at communal roosting sites or vital clay licks, sometimes numbering 20 or more. Foraging occurs primarily in the upper...
The Blue-headed Macaw has a restricted geographic distribution within the western Amazon basin, primarily found in southeastern Peru, extending into extreme western Brazil (Acre state) and northern Bolivia (Pando Department). It is non-migratory, maintaining a resident status throughout its range...
Endangered
- The Blue-headed Macaw is the only macaw species with a predominantly blue head. - Despite its striking appearance, it was considered one of the rarest and least known macaw species until relatively recently. - They are often observed visiting clay licks along riverbanks, a behavior crucial for ...