Best pet qualities
Shelly Bohannon, owner and operator of Avian Antics Aviary related, “A properly raised and socialized blue-throated macaw (BTM) is generally a friendly, outgoing and cuddly companion. In some respects, their personalities are much like cockatoos, in that they will seek attention and can easily become ‘Velcro” birds.
My own Blue-throated Macaw will literally spend hours lying on her back in my lap, or snuggled against my neck while I watch television or work at the computer. Reports from owner’s of babies I have raised, tell me much the same. I find the Blue-throated Macaw to be somewhat more affectionate and of a considerably more cuddly nature than many of the large macaws. Blue-throated Macaws are very active, athletic, mischievous, playful and silly. They are an extremely fun although challenging companion.
Biggest behavioral challenges
Bohannon added, “Blue-throated Macaws have a passion for anything mechanical and will literally remove switch plates, thermostat covers and disassemble anything they can get their beaks on. Thus, they must never be let out of their cages unattended.
Not to be overlooked and certainly worth mentioning is the Blue-throated Macaws tendency to be rather jealous and often a bit of a bully. Not so much toward people but other birds that are seeking their favored person’s attention. Supervision and a watchful eye are highly recommended in a multiple bird household.”
Particular dietary needs
Bohannon continued, “The Blue-throated Macaws beak design is quite different than that of other macaws, and this has led to a number of theories about dietary requirements. The most popular being that the blue throat’s beak is designed much like that of a fruit eater. There is nothing scientific to support this, as their diet in the wild seems to be quite similar to most other macaws of the Ara family. However, I make it a practice that all blue throats [that I raise] have fruit included in their diet daily. Otherwise, a high-quality, varied diet of pellets*, fresh vegetables, high-quality nuts and healthy people food seems to serve them well.”
Sprouted or germinated seeds are usually more easily accepted by “seed addicts” than fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Sprouted seeds are healthier as the sprouting changes and enhances the nutritional quality and value of seeds and grains. Sprouted seeds are lower in fat, as the process of sprouting utilizes the fat in the seed to start the growing process – thus reducing the fat stored in the seeds.
- Sprouted seeds will help balance your bird’s diet by adding a nutritious supply of high in vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll.
- Soaked and germinated “oil” seeds, like niger and rape seeds, are rich in protein and carbohydrates; while “starch” seeds, such as canary and millets, are rich in carbohydrates, but lower in protein.
- It is an invaluable food at all times; however, it is especially important for breeding or molting birds. Sprouted seeds also serve as a great rearing and weaning food as the softened shell is easier to break by chicks and gets them used to the texture of seeds.
“As with all macaws, they do require a diet a bit higher in fat than many bird species. Pellets* formulated for macaws as well as high-quality nuts will provide the necessary fat”
*Please note: When feeding pellets to your pet, please be aware of the fact that overly feeding citrus fruits (including oranges) or vitamin-C-rich foods to your birds can lead to “Iron Overload Disease” as vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from foods and supplements.
Care concerns
“Probably the biggest and most important thing in keeping a Blue-throated Macaw is keeping it contained,” Bohannon said. “A large majority of them are excellent mechanics, and it is difficult to find a cage they cannot open and/or literally take apart. Toys and perches will often end up on the floor of the cage, and (to blue throats) quick links are a mere annoyance. They will have a quick link open in a matter of seconds.”
What potential owners should know
“There are, of course, exceptions as with all exotic birds,” Bohannon mentioned. “However, if you are going to be owned by a blue throat, be aware that they are escape artists. They can be very manipulative and are extremely destructive. Be prepared to spend a small fortune on toy sand never, ever let them outside of their cage unattended, or you may find your home falling down around you.”
Ara glaucogularis
November 2002 Issue of Bird Talk
Reprinted with Permission by Shelly Bohannon
Blue-throated Macaw Species Page
Biggest behavioral challenges … Training and Behavioral Guidance … What potential owners should know
Training and Behavioral Guidance
Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis)
The Blue-throated Macaws (Ara glaucogularis; previously Ara caninde) – also known as Wagler’s or Caninde Macaws – are extremely rare South American macaws.
Status / Conservation
It is estimated that only about 50 – 249 of these magnificent parrots remain in the wild. The main causes of their diminishing numbers are:
- Habitat destruction: They rely heavily on the presence of Motacú palms (Attalea phalerata) – trees that they rely heavily on for food and for nesting. These trees are benefiting the locals who utilize them as construction material, food, and medicine, as well as cosmetic and edible oil. Unfortunately, these valuable trees are being burnt and destroyed in order to support agriculture and grazing.
- Trapping of these valuable birds for the pet trade.
These birds are now listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Several conservation schemes are being implemented. Fortunately, this species is relatively easy to breed in captivity.
However, they are still rare and expensive to acquire. In the United States, they is a great demand for these parrots and they can cost over 2,000 dollars.
Captive birds are appreciated for their intelligence, playfulness and inquisitive nature; and their ability to mimic human vocalizations. They may live 80 years or longer.
Recently Confirmed Species
This race was long disputed mostly because it was only discovered in recent history. Previously, it was considered an aberrant form of the Blue and Gold Macaw.
However, even though the ranges of these two species overlap, there have been no records of them interbreeding, pointing to the fact that these are two different races.
To this day, these birds are still sometimes also referred to as the “Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaws” – a name also used to describe a disputed subspecies of the Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna [?bolivia?]). These two similar species are often found alongside.
Distribution / Habitat
They occur naturally in north central Bolivia, specifically at a cluster of sites in the department of El Beni and possibly the northern parts of the adjacent Santa Cruz. Formerly, it is believed that they were also found in the countries of Paraguay and northern parts of Argentina.
Their habitat is a mixture of palm groves, savannah grasslands, swampy lowlands and occasionally gallery forest. They are associated with the palm Attalea phalerata – a resource for both nesting and feeding.
They are generally seen in pairs, but will also join small flocks of 7 – 9 individuals. One large roosting group of about 70 birds has been reported, and it thought to be a congregation of non-breeding adults and immature birds.
Description
This large macaw measures 75–85 cm (30–34 in) in length (including its long tail). It has a wingspan of 36 – 40 inches (approx. 91 – 102 cm) and weighs around 2.2 – 3.3 (1000 – 1500 g).
The forehead, crown, neck, wings and tail are light greenish-blue. The naked face is striped with dark greenish-blue feather lines.
This parrot has a striking plumage that is turquoise blue on the head and back, and the chest, abdomen, thighs and the underparts of the wings are bright yellow. They have long tails that are orange below and blue on top.
This species has distinctive blue cheeks and throat patches. Males may possibly have a darker patch of blue on the throat.
The large bill is dark grey-black, hooked and strong enough to crush even larger nuts. The beak also comes in handy when climbing around the trees. The dark grey feet are zygodactylous (with 2 toes pointing forward and 2 toes pointing backward) – an adaptation that helps them grasp securely the branches as they perch or move around in trees.
The eyes are pale yellow with an indistinct greyer ring near the pupil.
The dark grey feet are zygodactylous (with 2 toes pointing forward and 2 toes pointing backward) – an adaptation that helps them grasp securely the branches as they perch or move around in trees.
Immature birds look similar to the adults but have a darker throat band, shorter tail and dark brown or grey irises.
Similar Species:
The Blue-throated Macaw resembles the Blue-and-yellow Macaw . The Blue-throated can be identified by its blue throat patch, reddish facial skin and entirely blue wings.
Diet / Feeding
They feed on various nuts, seeds, fruits and berries, favoring above all the fruit of the Motacú palm (Attalea phalerata) for which they are important natural dispersal agents as they carry the seeds of these trees away from the mother plants, dropping them on the forest floor in other areas resulting in new growth.
Some of the seeds they eat are actually toxic – especially in the dry season. These smart birds have found a natural way of detoxifying themselves: ingesting mineral-rich clay found at so-called “clay licks” or “macaw licks.” The clay binds to the toxic compounds and coats the inside of the digestive system protecting it from any toxic plant chemicals.
Breeding / Nesting
They are monogamous forming pair bonds that last a lifetime. Even though pairs will often join flocks, they usually remain close together. In flight, their wings are nearly touching. They spend hours each day preening and feeding each other.
Most breeding occurs between November and March. They build their nests within the cavities of large trees, mostly palm trees. The average clutch usually consists of 2 – 3 eggs (although sometimes only one is laid).
The eggs are incubated for about 29 days. Both parents protect and feed the nestlings, which fledge when they are about 4 months old. However, they remain with their parents for up to one year and reach reproductive maturity when they are about 2 – 4 years old.
Calls / Vocalizations / Sounds
Their sentinel or alarm calls are described as loud and raucous – somewhat higher pitched than those of the related Blue-and-gold Macaw. When disturbed, flocks of them lift off into the air screeching loudly and circling overhead until they feel the danger has passed.
Alternate (Global) Names
Chinese: ?????? … Czech: Ara kaninda … Danish: Blåstrubet Ara … Dutch: Blauwkeelara … Estonian: boliivia ararauna (boliivia lasuuraara) … Finnish: sinikurkkuara, Sinikurkkuararauna … French: Ara à gorge bleue, Ara canindé … German: Blaukehlara, Kaninde … Guarani: Gua’a sa’yju … Italian: Ara di Wagler, Ara golablu … Japanese: aokikongouinko, yamahimekongouinko … Norwegian: Blåstripeara, Blåstrupeara, Blåstrupet ara … Polish: ara szafirowa … Russian: ?????????? ??? … Slovak: ara modrokrká … Spanish: Guacamayo Barbazul, Guacamayo de Barba Azul, Papagayo azul y amarillo … Swedish: Canindeara
