Where does the Blue-and-yellow Macaw live?

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical rainforests, gallery forests, savannas with scattered trees, palm groves, and open woodlands.

Geographic range

South America, from eastern Panama south through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, extending into northern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Absent from the western Andes.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas near water, such as rivers, swamps, and flooded forests, where palm trees and other fruit-bearing trees are abundant. Also found in disturbed areas and agricultural lands adjacent to forests.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 500 meters (1,640 feet), occasionally higher.

Where to look

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. Their loud vocalizations often give away their presence before they are seen. Listen for their distinctive 'scree-onk' calls.
2. Look for Pairs or Flocks. They are rarely solitary. Scan the skies or tree canopy for pairs or small groups, especially at dawn and dusk.
3. Observe Roosting Sites. They often gather in large communal roosts in tall trees at dusk. Locating a roost can provide excellent viewing opportunities.
4. Check Clay Licks. In some regions, macaws visit clay licks (collpas) to ingest minerals. These are prime locations for observation, especially in the early morning.
5. Focus on Food Sources. Look for them in trees bearing ripe fruits, nuts, or seeds, particularly palm trees.

Migration

Generally resident throughout their range, with some local movements in response to food availability. Not considered a migratory species.

Explore the Blue-and-yellow Macaw