Birds Active during the day

Blue-throated Macaw

Ara glaucogularis

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

Bolivia's rarest flying treasure, the Blue-throated Macaw is a vibrant masterpiece of turquoise and gold. Once thought to be extinct in the wild, this elusive bird now finds sanctuary in the remote palm groves of the Beni savannas.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length of 85 cm (33 in); wingspan approximately 90-100 cm (35-39 in); weight 600-800 g (1.3-1.8 lbs)

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Colors

Turquoise-blue upperparts, bright yellow to golden-orange underparts, and a distinctive blue throat patch

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Key Features

Distinctive turquoise-blue throat patch extending to the ear-coverts
Bare white facial skin with fine lines of blue feathers
Long, elegant blue tail with yellowish undersides
Smaller and more slender build than the Blue-and-yellow Macaw

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-9 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Specialist feeder primarily consuming the oily nuts of the Motacú palm (Attalea phalerata), along with other seasonal fruits and seeds.

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Habitat Seasonally flooded savannas, palm-rich islands (islas), and gallery forests.

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Where Does the Blue-throated Macaw Live?

Native to the heart of South America, the Blue-throated Macaw is found exclusively within a very restricted region of north-central Bolivia. Its entire wild population is confined to the tropical savannas of the Beni Department, specifically the Llanos de Moxos. Unlike many other parrots, there are no established introduced populations elsewhere in the world, making this one of the most geographically localized bird species on the planet.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

1 Countries

4,000 km² Range

Critically Endangered Conservation

BO Bolivia

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Blue-throated Macaw is a highly social and intelligent bird, though it is notably more shy and elusive than its more common relatives. They are typically found in monogamous pairs that remain together for life, often seen flying close to one another or grooming each other in the canopy. While they do congregate in small family groups, large flocks are rare due to their critically low population numbers.

These macaws are diurnal and spend a significant portion of their day foraging and resting within palm groves. Their communication consists of high-pitched squawks and calls that are distinct from other macaws, often sounding more nasal. In the wild, they are wary of human presence, a trait likely reinforced by historical hunting pressure, though they are known to be inquisitive when they feel secure.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Blue-throated Macaw on camera requires patience and specialized placement, as these birds spend the majority of their time high in the canopy. To get the best results, position your camera at an elevated vantage point overlooking Motacú palm stands. These trees are their primary food source and nesting sites; a camera angled slightly downward from a neighboring tree or a high platform can capture intimate feeding behaviors that ground-level shots would miss.

Because they are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, ensure your camera's exposure settings are optimized for the golden hour. A fast shutter speed is essential if you hope to catch them in flight, as their wingbeats are rapid. Given their status as a critically endangered species, it is vital to use non-intrusive equipment. Avoid using bright white flashes at night near known nesting hollows, as this can cause them to abandon their chicks; instead, rely on high-quality infrared sensors for low-light activity.

Baiting is generally discouraged for this sensitive species to avoid habituation or dietary issues. Instead, focus on 'natural' lures by placing cameras near shallow water pools in the savanna during the dry season, where they may descend to drink. If you are using a trail camera, set it to 'Burst Mode' or 'Photo + Video' to capture the complex social interactions between pairs, which often involve subtle head-bobbing and beak-touching.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Blue-throated Macaw.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Larger with a black throat patch and more extensive bare white facial skin.

Blue-headed Macaw

Much smaller with a primarily green body and a distinct blue head.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Blue-throated Macaws are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Their peak activity occurs shortly after sunrise (around 6-9 AM) when they leave their roosts to forage, and again in the late afternoon (3-6 PM) before returning to sleep.

Since this species is endemic to a very small part of Bolivia, they will only appear in backyards within their specific range in the Beni region. In those areas, maintaining native Motacú palms is the most effective way to attract them, as these trees provide both food and nesting sites.

Their diet is highly specialized, consisting almost entirely of the fruit and nuts of the Motacú palm. They use their powerful, hooked beaks to strip the outer husk and crack the hard inner nut to reach the nutrient-rich kernel.

No, they are extremely rare. They are critically endangered with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild. They generally avoid urban centers, preferring remote savanna islands, though they may occasionally visit rural ranches with palm groves.

Look at the throat: the Blue-throated Macaw has a large turquoise-blue patch, whereas the Blue-and-yellow Macaw has a black throat. Additionally, the Blue-throated is slightly smaller and has more blue feathering on its white facial skin.

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