Blue-headed Macaws aka Coulon's Macaws (Couloni) - Mini-Macaws
Books, DVDs and Other Media about Macaws (Sold / shipped out of: 
| 
| 
| 
)
Are you looking for a Macaw? Click here for a listing of breeders
The Blue-headed Mini-Macaw aka Coulon's Mini Macaw (Couloni) Mini-Macaw (Ara couloni) is endemic to eastern Peru north to upper Huallaga Valley, Apurimac, western and northernmost Bolivia - where they are common only in localities. They are mostly seen in pairs or threes outside breeding season.
Their preferred habitat includes forest areas along river courses. They can also be found in settled as well as cleared areas from 450 ft (150 m) up to 3,900 ft (1300 m).
Description:
The average length of a Blue-headed Macaw (from head to tip of the tail) is 16 inches (41 cm).
The general plumage is green; except the forehead, crown and sides of the head are blue. The flight feathers and primary coverts are also blue. The edge of the wing is bluish-green. The outer upper wing-coverts are blue with green edging. The underside of the flight feathers and tail are olive-yellow. The tail feathers are blue.
The bill is black. The frontal area is whitish. There is a bare area between the eye and the bill that is blackish. The irides (= plural of iris) are yellow with orange-red outer ring and the feet are flesh-colored.
Immature birds can be identified by their darker irides (= plural of iris).
Calling / Voicing"
They are considered medium-noisy macaws, although their calls are softer and higher than that of the Illiger's Macaw (Ara maracana).
Breeding / Aviculture:
These macaws are rare and, therefore, captive breeding has been seldom achieved. The blue-headed macaw is easily tamed and hardy, once properly acclimatized. They enjoy chewing fresh branches, which should be made available to them regularly.
They require a spacious aviary to allow them space to exercise for good health and to accommodate the nesting box, chewing and perching branches, and the usual food and water dishes. A good dimension for an aviary might be 9 x 4.5 x 6 ft (3 x 1.5 x 2 m) with an adjoining indoor section - heated if temperatures go below 64°F (18°C). A diagonal nest box is preferred: 9 x 16 x 12 ins (22 x 40 x 30 cm), with an entrance diameter of 3 inches (8 cm).
A clutch usually consists of 3 to 4 eggs that are incubated for 26 days. The young fledge 12 weeks after hatching. Up to 2 breedings a year are possible.
Their captive diet consists of a good quality seed mix: sunflower, safflower, various millets, oats and hemp seeds* are good ingredients. Dried rowan berries and plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and green food should be provided, as well as some pine nuts. Mineral supplements need to be made available to them -- especially before and during the breeding season, calcium supplementation is very important. While raising chicks, parents need soft foods, such as eggfood and half-ripe maize for rearing the young. (*Hemp Seeds are often referred to as "super-seeds" as they offer a complete amino acid profile, have an ideal balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and provide an impressive amount of trace minerals - they also have the highest concentration of protein in the plant kingdom.)
- More information on macaw nutrition and weaning chicks.
Taxonomy:
Genus: Scientific: Ara ... English: Macaws ... Dutch: Echte Aras ... German: Eigentliche Aras ... French: Aras
Species: Scientific: Ara couloni ... English: Blue-headed Macaw ... Dutch: Blauwkopara, Couloni Ara ... German: Gebirgsara, Blaukopfara ... French: Ara à tête bleue ... CITES I - Protected Species
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots
Photo, Video and/or Article contributions are welcome! Please click here for info
The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!
