Primolius maracana (Vieillot, 1816)

Size

This species has a total length of approximately 36–43 cm (14–17 in).

General Body Features

It has a moderately sized black bill, a long tail, and primarily green plumage.

Upper Wing Coloration

As suggested by its common name, the upperside of the remiges and primary coverts are blue.

Partial Head and Underside Coloration

The underside of the wings is yellowish, while the tail-tip, crown, and cheeks are bluish.

Tail, Belly, and Iris Coloration

The base of the tail and a small belly patch are red, and the iris is amber.

Facial Skin Features

Along with the red-bellied macaw, this species is one of the only two macaws with yellowish bare facial skin; this yellowish color often fades to white when the bird is kept in captivity.

Distinction from Red-bellied Macaw

Unlike the red-bellied macaw, the blue-winged macaw has a red lower abdomen and a red lower back.

Flight Pattern

In the wild, this species has a described distinctive flight pattern: a jerky, rearing motion.

Distribution in Brazil

The blue-winged macaw is found in eastern and southern Brazil, with a remaining remnant population in northeastern Brazil.

Distribution Outside Brazil

It also occurs in eastern Paraguay, and was at least formerly present in far northeastern Argentina and east of Bolivia.

Habitat

It inhabits both evergreen and deciduous forests, and shows a preference for gallery forest.

Primary Diet

These macaws feed mainly on seeds from Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, Jatropha, Guazuma ulmifolia, and the non-native Melia azedarach.

Supplementary Diet

They also eat fruits and nuts.