Blue-and-Gold Macaw

  [Ara ararauna]
  Habitat: Woodlands, open country and forest edges 
  Height: 30-34″ 
  Weight: 2-3 lbs 
  Wingspan: 45″ 
  Average Lifespan: 50 years
  Incubation Period: 28 days
  Number of Young: 2-3
  Conservation Status: Least Concern

– Also known as blue and yellow macaw.
– Uses its powerful beak for breaking nutshells, and also for climbing up and hanging from trees.
– Parents will raise only the strongest chick, leaving the others to starve to death.
– Is considered to be the most beautiful of all parrot species.
– Often gather at clay licks to eat mineral and salt bearing clay, which is found on river banks.