Better off in the wild
The sight and sound of brilliantly-coloured macaws flying above the canopy of the Amazon is one of nature's truly unforgettable experiences, but it's one that we can no longer take for granted.
The sight and sound of brilliantly-coloured macaws flying above the canopy of the Amazon is one of nature’s truly unforgettable experiences. Many of these beautiful birds are among the largest types of parrot in the world, and they usually travel in noisy, squawking pairs or family parties – making their fly-by a treat for the senses.
Highly intelligent birds, macaws have a partner for life and can live for up to 70 years. However, their longevity and splendid plumage make them popular in the illegal pet trade. Many species of macaw have also been pushed towards extinction by loss of their forest habitat.
One type of macaw, known as Spix’s macaw, is the rarest bird in the world. Only one lonely male is known to remain in the wild, in eastern Brazil. However, some other species are faring better – the hyacinth macaw, the largest of all macaws with a wingspan of 1.5m, is still considered vulnerable to extinction, but some populations of this fabulous cobalt blue bird have doubled in the last 15 years thanks to work supported by WWF.
WWF is working with local landowners, local communities and tourists to raise awareness of the birds and their needs, to help monitor the species, and to protect the forests on which they rely.
Photography © Zig Koch/WWF
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