Primolius maracana
The Blue-winged Macaw, *Primolius maracana*, is a captivating member of the mini-macaw group, distinguished by its vibrant green plumage, blue flight feathers, and striking red markings. Measuring approximately 36-43 cm (14-17 in) in length and weighing 210-290 g (7.4-10.2 oz), it is the smallest of the true macaws. Key identification features include a prominent bare white facial patch, a bright red shoulder patch, and a dark, bluish-green crown contrasting with a red forehead and red on the...
Found in the edges of humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, gallery forests, woodlands, palm groves, and savannas with trees, typically in lowlands up to 1000 meters.
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diverse array of seeds, nuts (especially palm nuts), fruits, berries, and flowers, occasionally supplementing their diet with insects or larvae.
Blue-winged Macaws are diurnal, typically found in pairs or small family groups, though outside the breeding season, they may congregate in flocks of up to 20 individuals at communal roosts. They are arboreal foragers, employing their strong beaks to crack open palm nuts and other hard seeds. Nes...
The Blue-winged Macaw's historical range once spanned a significant portion of eastern South America, but habitat destruction and the pet trade have led to severe fragmentation and contraction. Today, its primary breeding range is concentrated in eastern Brazil, extending from Maranhão south to S...
Near Threatened
- The Blue-winged Macaw is the smallest species among the 'true' macaws, earning it the moniker 'mini-macaw'. - Despite their common name, their wings are not entirely blue; the primary and secondary flight feathers are blue, but the body is predominantly green. - They possess an incredibly stron...