The blue-throated macaw requires palm tree cavities in which to nest. Older palm trees with cavities are cut down for fuel or to provide land for farming and with them go the available nest sites. A lowered reproductive rate resulting from habitat destruction only makes the situation worse for the macaw, which is one of the world’s rarest birds due to the illegal wild bird trade.
Blue-throated Macaw
Ara glaucogularis
Fact File
Pronunciation: muh-KAW
Where to see them: Wings of the World
Length: 2.4 to 2.8 ft
Weight: 1.6 lbs
Lifespan: More than 30 yrs in captivity
Wingspan: 3 to 3.3 ft
Habitat: Forest and savannah
Diet: Seeds, fruits, and nuts
Risk Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Critically endangered)
Which is Which? The blue-throated macaw often socializes with the blue and gold macaw, yet is distinguished by a smaller beak and a patch of blue feathers on the throat.
90-Second Naturalist 
