Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) — Vulnerable

Hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), a large cobalt-blue parrot in flight. — Hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) in flight.
Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

At a glance

IUCN category: VU · Vulnerable
Animal group: Birds
Population trend: Stable
FaunaHub record reviewed: 2026-06-16
Checked against IUCN: Matches source — IUCN's 2025 global assessment of Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus says VulnerableChecked 2026-10-09 against IUCN's Red List export published 2026-07-28 · assessment

Conservation overview

The hyacinth macaw is the largest flying parrot in the world, a striking cobalt-blue bird of South America. It is assessed as Vulnerable.

It has a massive bill adapted to crack hard palm nuts.

Range & habitat

Central and eastern South America, especially the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil.

Major threats

Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.

Past trapping for the pet trade
Habitat loss and conversion

Why it matters

As a large, specialised seed-eater and the biggest of the macaws, the hyacinth macaw is both a flagship for South American wetlands and a conservation recovery story.

Gallery

Close-up of a hyacinth macaw's blue head and yellow eye-ring. — Hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).
Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sources

Sources for Hyacinth Macaw

IUCN Red List — look up Hyacinth Macaw (authoritative status)
Animal Diversity Web

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the hyacinth macaw?

It is the largest flying parrot in the world by length, with a wingspan over a metre and a powerful bill that can crack very hard palm nuts.

Why is the hyacinth macaw Vulnerable?

Published assessments cite past heavy trapping for the pet trade and ongoing habitat loss, though conservation work has helped some populations. See the IUCN Red List.