Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest flying parrot species in the world, notable for its vivid cobalt-blue plumage, striking yellow facial skin, and powerful black beak. Native to the open woodlands and palm-rich areas of central and eastern South America, particularly Brazil’s Pantanal region, this macaw is specially adapted to feed on the tough nuts of native palms like Attalea and Acrocomia. Despite its formidable size and strength, the Hyacinth Macaw is gentle and highly social, forming strong pair bonds and communicating through a range of loud, expressive vocalisations. In the wild, it plays a key ecological role in seed dispersal, but habitat loss and the illegal pet trade have made it vulnerable, with populations declining significantly over recent decades. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect its habitats and reduce trafficking pressures, as this charismatic and intelligent parrot remains a symbol of South American biodiversity.