Blue-throated Macaw aka Caninde Macaw or Wagler's
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The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis; previously Ara caninde) is endemic to Los Llanos de Moxosa - a small area of north-central Bolivia.
It is estimated that only about 120 of these magnificent birds remain in the wild. Due to trapping for the pet trade they are considered critically endangered.
Several breeding and conservation schemes are currently being implemented. Fortunately, this species is relatively easy to breed in captivity.
Blue Throated Macaws (Caninde Macaw)
(Ara glaucogularis)
November 2002 Issue of Bird Talk
Reprinted with Permission by Shelly Bohannon
Best pet qualities
Shelly Bohannon, owner and operator of Avian Antics Aviary related, “A properly raised and socialized blue-throated macaw (BTM) is generally a friendly, outgoing and cuddly companion. In some respects, their personalities are much like cockatoos, in that they will seek attention and can easily become ‘Velcro” birds.
My own BTM will literally spend hours lying on her back in my lap, or snuggled against my neck while I watch television or work at the computer. Reports from owner’s of babies I have raised, tell me much the same. I find the BTM to be somewhat more affectionate and of a considerably more cuddly nature than many of the large macaws. BTM’s are very active, athletic, mischievous, playful and silly. They are an extremely fun although challenging companion.
Biggest behavioral challenges
Bohannon added, “BTMs have a passion for anything mechanical and will literally remove switch plates, thermostat covers and disassemble anything they can get their beaks on. Thus, they must never be let out of their cages unattended.
Not to be overlooked and certainly worth mentioning is the BTMs tendency to be rather jealous and often a bit of a bully. Not so much toward people but other birds that are seeking their favored person’s attention. Supervision and a watchful eye are highly recommended in a multiple bird household.”
Particular dietary needs
Bohannon continued, “The BTMs beak design is quite different than that of other macaws, and this has led to a number of theories about dietary requirements. The most popular being that the blue throat’s beak is designed much like that of a fruit eater. There is nothing scientific to support this, as their diet in the wild seems to be quite similar to most other macaws of the Ara family. However, I make it a practice that all blue throats [that I raise] have fruit included in their diet daily. Otherwise, a high-quality, varied diet of pellets*, fresh vegetables, high-quality nuts and healthy people food seems to serve them well.”
Sprouted or germinated seeds are usually more easily accepted by "seed addicts" than fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Sprouted seeds are healthier as the sprouting changes and enhances the nutritional quality and value of seeds and grains. Sprouted seeds are lower in fat, as the process of sprouting utilizes the fat in the seed to start the growing process - thus reducing the fat stored in the seeds.
- Sprouted seeds will help balance your bird’s diet by adding a nutritious supply of high in vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll.
- Soaked and germinated "oil" seeds, like niger and rape seeds, are rich in protein and carbohydrates; while "starch" seeds, such as canary and millets, are rich in carbohydrates, but lower in protein.
- It is in invaluable food at all times; however, it is especially important for breeding or molting birds. Sprouted seeds also serve as a great rearing and weaning food as the softened shell is easier to break by chicks and gets them used to the texture of seeds.
“As with all macaws, they do require a diet a bit higher in fat than many bird species. Pellets* formulated for macaws as well as high-quality nuts will provide the necessary fat”
*Please note: When feeding pellets to your pet, please be aware of the fact that overly feeding citrus fruits (including oranges) or vitamin-C-rich foods to your birds can lead to "Iron Overload Disease" as vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from foods and supplements.
Care concerns
“Probably the biggest and most important thing in keeping a BTM is keeping it contained,” Bohannon said. “A large majority of them are excellent mechanics, and it is difficult to find a cage they cannot open and/or literally take apart. Toys and perches will often end up on the floor of the cage, and (to blue throats) quick links are a mere annoyance. They will have a quick link open in a matter of seconds.”
What potential owners should know
“There are, of course, exceptions as with all exotic birds,” Bohannon mentioned. “However, if you are going to be owned by a blue throat, be aware that they are escape artists. They can be very manipulative and are extremely destructive. Be prepared to spend a small fortune on toy sand never, ever let them outside of their cage unattended, or you may find your home falling down around you.”
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Macaw ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Undisciplined macaws will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires.
They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable. Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation. Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of a macaw and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet macaw.
Overall, it is important to guide parrot behavior, but even more so if your feathered family member is a magnificent and powerful macaw.
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Macaw General Information
- Procuring your Parrot
- Breeders:
- Camino, CA: Eggs-otic Parroting - Phone (530) 644-1846
- Breeders Listing - Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- Breeders:
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition
- Parrot Products
Weight: 600 - 800 g ... Length: 24 -29 inches ... Wingspan: 36 -40 inches (85 cm)
Genus: Scientific: Ara ... English: Macaws ... Dutch: Echte Aras ... German: Eigentliche Aras ... French: Aras ... Species: Scientific: Ara glaucogularis aka Ara caninde ... English: Caninde Ara, Blue-throated Macaw ... Dutch: Blauwkeelara, Caninde Ara ... German: Blaulatzara, Blaukehlara, Caninde Ara ... French: Ara de Caninde
CITES I - Protected Species
Distribution: Bolivia, Paraguay, Northern Argentina
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