About Primolius couloni (P.L.Sclater, 1876)
Body Length
The blue-headed macaw, Primolius couloni, is 41 centimeters (16 inches) long.
General Plumage
Most of its plumage is green, often with an olive tinge, especially on the underside. Its head, flight feathers and primary coverts are blue.
Tail Coloration
The uppertail has a maroon base, a narrow green center, and a blue tip. The undertail and underwing are greenish-yellow, matching the coloration of several other small macaw species like the red-bellied and golden-collared macaw.
Bill Features
Its medium-sized bill is pale greyish-horn with a black base; the extent of black varies, but the upper mandible of adult blue-headed macaws typically appears mostly pale.
Eye and Facial Features
The iris is whitish, surrounded by a narrow, often barely visible maroon eye-ring. Unlike most other macaws, this species has dark greyish facial skin and lores.
Leg Color
Its legs are dull pinkish.
Juvenile Characteristics
Juveniles look similar to adults, but have an entirely black bill, greyer legs, a darker iris, and white facial skin and lores.
Native Range
This species is native to the south-west Amazon and adjacent eastern Andean foothills.
Habitat Preferences
It favors openings in humid forest, such as areas along rivers or clearings, but has also been seen in Moriche Palm swamps and on the outskirts of towns.
Altitudinal Range
It ranges from the lowlands up to an altitude of 1550 meters (5100 feet).
Feeding Behavior
Like many other parrot species, the blue-headed macaw is known to visit clay-licks.
