Animal-World > Birds > Macaw Types > Large Macaw Parrots > Hyacinth Macaw

Hyacinth MacawHyacinthine Macaw

Family: Psittacidae

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Anodorhynchus hyacinthinusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Cheryl Galloway

     The Hyacinth Macaw is not only the largest of the macaws, but is the second largest parrot in the world!

     The Hyacinth Macaw is calm and known to make an excellent pet. They are sweet, extremely gentle, and are not inclined to make a great deal of noise. They have a very even temperament. They are affectionate and playful, and become quite attached to their human families.

     They may possibly pick out one person for that special affection but Hyacinth Macaws are more inclined to being a part of the entire family and are good with children. If they are socialized at a young age, these macaws are also quite eager to meet and play with new humans.

     The hyacinth is quite intelligent and is prone to playing jokes. Jokes can include jumping on you or your company's head from a distance. With its size, this is pretty funny. A good joke is laying on its back with its feet straight up playing dead. They will frequently stare down at you from the ceiling fan (be sure it is off!) or break out of their cage. They don't destroy the cage but are more inclined to just take the lock off. They are inquisitive and quite entertaining.

     Hyacinth Macaws do speak although their ability for this is limited. However, they do make their desires known and after their human understands their call for play, hugs or special food there is a definite understanding between feathered child and human.

For information about the care of Macaws see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Macaw

Scientific name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

Distribution:      The Hyacinth Macaw originates in South America and its habitat is primarily in Brazil, eastern Bolivia and Paraguay. There is disagreement as to what the Hyacinth Macaw's natural habitat is. Some say the rainforest while others say they seem to prefer large open areas to the rainforest. They are also seen in marches or where palms are found.      They were first spotted in 1790 and then introduced to civilization in 1916. Hyacinth Macaws were immediately popular because of their affectionate nature and entertaining ability. There became a great demand for this macaw. Because of deforestation its numbers were being reduced in the wild and now their numbers became even further reduced as individuals hunted them for pets.      Today, it is estimated that their numbers have been reduced to between 2,000 – 5,000 in the wild. They are on the Endangered Species list and have been since 1988. There are conservation efforts for the Hyacinth Macaw which has some measure of success and they are also being successfully bred within the United States and other countries.

Description:      The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest of the macaws measuring often three and one-half feet in length with a wingspan of close to five feet.      They are an amazing cobalt blue, which is how they derived their name. They have a bright daffodil yellow circling the eye and on its facial skin running down both sides of the beak. The Hyacinth appears to smile. Their eyelashes are blue and the skin of the bird has a yellowish cast to it except for the feet. Their beak is quite large enabling them to meet their dietary requirements by cracking extremely hard nuts.

Size - Weight:      A full sized macaw, these birds are about 37 inches (95 cm) in length.

Care and feeding:      The Hyacinth has unique feeding requirements. In the wild the hard palm nut or fruit is the mainstay of its diet. They require a much higher fat diet than many macaws. Macadamia nuts are used as a main stable for this macaw's diet as well as other nuts. Coconut is also desirable. Fresh fruits and vegetables, while a part of their diet, are a small part compared with other parrots. Pellet diets are said to not be appropriate for the Hyacinth as the high protein content can cause kidney problems. Many breeders no longer offer pellets to Hyacinths. In the wild they feed primarily on nuts, seeds and some berries. They do catch and eat a small amount of meat.      Food and water should be available to them at all times and human food or prepared foods removed from the cage after 4 hours.      Their cage should be kept clean and this is quite easy to do with the cage paper or newspaper under the grate and just pulled as needed. The cage should be wiped down with a disinfectant when needed to insure its cleanliness.      The water should be kept fresh and changed daily and the bowls should be kept clean. See About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.

Environment:      A roomy cage is required for the Hyacinth Macaw, at least 3 x 4 feet (91 x 122 cm). Even in this size cage it is difficult for them to extend their wings. They will require a great deal of time outside of their cage in order to exercise and just move their wings. If you should decide to purchase one of the larger wire cages that have powder coated 8 gauge wire, you will loose your money. The Hyacinth Macaw can snap 8 gauge powder coated wires as easily as you can chew popcorn. A 3 gauge wire is strong enough to use for building a flight though it must be made secure through U-bolts and lock nuts. The Hyacinth Macaw is quite clever and if you can put it together, they can take it apart.      A variety of perches should be used of varying size and texture. Manzanita or Ribbonwood perches for the Hyacinths will most likely be needed because of the hardness of the wood. Doll rods should not be used. They are too small and too smooth. A rougher texture rather than smooth makes it easier for them to perch and is better for their feet and legs. A concrete perch should be placed as the highest perch in the cage and next to a toy. At times during the day, and usually to sleep, they will perch there and it will save them (and you) from the ordeal of having their nails filed.      They can tolerate a wide variety of temperatures from quite cold to very warm. However, they should be kept away from drafts. See About Macaws: Housing for more information.

Social Behaviors:      They desire contact with their human family. They bond very strongly and desire both affection and playful attention. In the wild these parrots associate in pairs within a small flock. As a pet in your home, you or members of your family are the other half of the pair and the small flock.      If you would like a companion that is very similar to a three year old child than this could be the parrot for you. Remember a three year old takes a great deal of time and one should not invest the money in the macaw unless you definitely intend to give freely of your time.      See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw.

Handling/Training :      The Hyacinth Macaw is eager for attention and play and because of its gentle and even disposition, it is easier than most parrots to handle and train. They're eager to please and be with you. Usually, after the basic command of up they like to learn new things and respond well to additionally training. They love to be handled and can be very clownish in their play. They can take a few running steps and pounce and repeat this game for quite awhile. They are frequently on their backs anxious for play and a belly rub. Tag is fun and swinging from the chandelier is great fun.

Activities:      The Hyacinth Macaw loves to play and will require a variety of toys. Because of its size, its beak and playful disposition, many toys will be needed. They chew wood into very small pieces and the large macaw toys of wood will perhaps last a day or two. Possibly it would be better to purchase wood and color it on occasion.      Large macaw acrylic toys last a little awhile but certainly not a month. You can purchase or put together stainless steel toys buying parts from your local hardware store. Nuts strung with washers and then a lock bolt will make noise and is used as a dumbbell by the hyacinth. Metal cups or spoons are a good choice and you can put wholes in stainless steel bird bowels and place nuts and bolts through the holes. Stainless steel should be used. They enjoy the bird music boxes and stuffed animals. Never use rope.      The Hyacinth prefers to be around their human companion and although content to be on its perch they prefer to follow you around the house. If you are in another room they will frequently contact call to make sure you are still there. This requires a response from you to insure your child you will be back shortly. Their call is quite raucous and it would be best if you answered quickly.

Breeding/Reproduction:      Hyacinth Macaws are very bonded to their mate and share in the responsibilities of nest making and child rearing. The Hyacinths are very affectionate with their mate. They have been seen placing their wing around their mate and in some pretty heavy kissing sessions.      The Hyacinth Macaw will nest in holes in trees that already exist and just make the hole larger. Two eggs are normally laid and hatched in approximately 26 - 28 days. They wean while being hand fed at about 6 - 9 months.      A large nest box is required so they may lie vertically. Just wood should not be used as the Hyacinth can eat through it overnight. Even while sitting eggs, the female is so curious regarding events outside the nest box, she will frequently come out to see what is happening.      See About Macaws: Breeding/Reproduction for information on breeding.

Sexual differences:      No visible differences.

Potential Problems:      Hyacinth Macaws, when cared for, are quite hardy and seldom become ill. Any sign of illness such as your Hyacinth becoming lethargic, change in personality or weight, dirty vent, watery eyes or nose or rasping are reasons to go to the vet.      See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:      Hyacinths are not readily available and they are quite expensive. Be prepared to be placed on a waiting list and spend around $10,000. The Hyacinth numbers are small and they are also an expensive endeavor for most breeders. If you desire a Hyacinth just be patient and establish a number of contacts.

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Latest Comments
Hyacinth macaws are indeed the most beautiful, intelligent and gentle bitds! Chloe 2008-07-24
These birds are breath-taking in personality and in color! I have a friend who owns a Hyacinth macaw name Sky and he was the perfect role model for his species. Gentle, playful, calm, highly intelligent, affectionate, loyal, loving and outgoing. His vocabulary is okay. For anyone on a shopping spree for birds, this bird is worth every penny! levi 2006-12-06
I own a Scarlet Macaw named Sander, a Blue and Gold Macaw named Lucas, and a Hyacinth Macaw named Jackson. Although hyacinths are great birds, they certainly are not easy to care for. He screeches a high-pitched scream to wake me and he demands attention throughout the day. His beak is very strong and he has broken through many locks, cages, and antique furniture (but I'm thankful he's never used this beak strength against me). On the positive side, he is gentle, laid back, and very devoted to his family. Although he a gorgeous, sweet, and loving macaw, these enormous parrots are not for everyone. Hannah 2006-12-04

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