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The hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, is a bird from the psittacidae family which mainly feeds on fruit and seeds and lives in the canopy in South America.
Macaws can mimic human speech, but do not use it to communicate amongst themselves.
The hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot species and also the most sought-after by poachers.
Although protected, this beautiful bird is highly threatened by illegal trade. If it were to disappear, its habitat would also suffer, as this vegetarian helps to disperse seeds and therefore maintain the ecosystem.
A tight portrait of a hybrid macaw from Costa Rica. This one was perched fairly high in a tree, regarding us and probably contemplating whether we had any food. It's the colors which make the bird so incredibly attractive, although its personality and antics are a close second.
© Dennis Zaebst All Rights Reserved.
Scarlet Macaw 3 (Ara macao)Spanish name: Guacamayo Rojo, Lapa. Jaco Costa Rica.
No post-processing done to photo, only cropped. Nikon NEF (RAW) files available. NPP Straight Photography at noPhotoShopping.com
A pair of wild scarlet macaws seen by the Tarcoles river in PuntaArenas. Seen with the awesome bird photographer/guide Randall Ortega Chaves
Close-up of this Green-Winged Macaw, these beautiful birds draw one's eyes to them with their great coloration.
I took the photo of this gorgeous hyacinth macaw at Wilhelma, our zoo. The hyacinth macaw is the larges parrot in the world. From the tip of its tail to the top of its head it reaches a length of 100 cm (3.3 ft). They are easy to recognize due to their striking blue colour. The species is not considered as endangered (yet) but their number declines, mainly because of habitat loss and illegal trade. At the moment they are therefore listed as "vulnerable".
The capture was taken through a fence. It's a double fence consisting of a wire mesh fence and a stronger steel construction which is able to withstand the beaks of these birds.
Macaws are long-tailed, often colourful New World parrots. Of the many different Psittacidae (true parrots) genera, six are classified as macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. Previously, the members of the genus Primolius were placed in Propyrrhura, but the former is correct in accordance with ICZN rules. Macaws are native to Central America (especially Mexico), South America, and formerly the Caribbean. Most species are associated with forests, especially rainforests, but others prefer woodland or savannah-like habitats.
Proportionately larger beaks, long tails, and relatively bare, light-coloured, medial (facial patch) areas distinguish macaws. Sometimes the facial patch is smaller in some species, and limited to a yellow patch around the eyes and a second patch near the base of the beak in the members of the genus Anodorhynchus. A macaw's facial feather pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.
The largest macaws are the Hyacinth, Buffon's (Great Green) and Green-Winged Macaws. While still relatively large, macaws of the genera Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca and Primolius are significantly smaller than the members of Anodorhynchus and Ara. The smallest member of the family, the Red-shouldered Macaw, is no larger than some parakeets of the genus Aratinga.
Macaws, like other parrots, toucans and woodpeckers, are zygodactyl, having their first and fourth toes pointing backward.
Three views of a very happy hyacinth macaw.
The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) is a large, colorful macaw. It is native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics.
copyright © Mim Eisenberg/mimbrava studio. All rights reserved.
Best seen larger.
SugarbearSteve and I went to the zoo yesterday on a whim, testing our new XSi cameras. Though we each had initial start-up issues with focusing when we first got our dSLRs, I think we're starting to get the hang of it. I still have lots of learning and playing to do.
I’ll try to catch up with you later.
See my shots on flickriver:
www.flickrriver.com/photos/mimbrava/
EDIT:
I almost forgot to share with you a joke a friend sent me:
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.
This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico, but as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg, sank, and the cargo was forever lost.
The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day.
The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko De Mayo.
Here is an article about the real celebration of Cinco de Mayo.