Blue-headed Macaw(Primolius couloni)
They are also known as Coulon's Macaw. The blue-headed macaw is 41 cm long. It has mainly green plumage (often tinged olive, esp. below) with the head, flight feathers and primary coverts blue. The uppertail has a maroon base, a narrow green center and a blue tip. The undertail and underwing are greenish-yellow similar to that of several other small macaws. The medium-sized bill is pale greyish-horn with a black base (extent varies, but upper mandible in adults typically appears mainly pale). The iris is whitish with a narrow, often barely visible, maroon eye-ring. Unlike most other macaws, the facial skin and lores are dark greyish. The legs are dull pinkish. Juveniles resemble adults, but with the entire bill black, greyer legs, darker iris and the facial skin and lores white.
Habitat
They are native to eastern Peru (except in north), north-western Bolivia (mainly in Pando), and far western Brazil (only in Acre).It is found in the south-west Amazon and adjacent east Andean foothills. It prefers openings in humid forest, e.g. along rivers or clearings, but has also been observed in Moriche Palm swamps and outskirts of towns. It occurs from the lowlands up to an altitude of 1550 m (5100 ft). As several other parrots, the blue-headed macaw is known to visit clay-licks.
Diet
These birds feed on various seeds, nuts, fruits and green food. Most likely, there are some insects in the mix, too, particularly when raising young. They will also visit clay licks, where they ingest mineral-rich clay. This clay offers valuable protection against toxins naturally found in their diet.
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Captive Diet
They are usually provided 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 also be made available, as well as some pine nuts. They also need mineral supplements - 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.)
Breeding
Little is known about its reproductive behavior in the wild, but a possible nest has been recorded in a bamboo cavity and another in a tree cavity. In captivity, the reproductive cycle appears to be roughly annual with a clutch size of 2-4 being the norm.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List, they are classed as Vulnerable(VU). The population is estimated at 9,200-46,000 mature individuals (roughly equivalent to 10,000-70,000 total individuals), based on conservative estimates of range size and density. This species is suspected to lose 16.6-19.3% of suitable habitat within its distribution over three generations (31 years) based on a model of Amazonian deforestation. Given the susceptibility of the species to hunting and/or trapping, it is therefore suspected to decline by a rate approaching 30% over three generations.
Threats
The species is commonly found in markets in Brazil, being valuable and in high demand owing to its perceived rarity. Reported international trade is low (and virtually unknown before 1995), but apparently increasing: three specimens in 1993 increased to 55 birds in 2000, totalling 150 birds for the whole period; as many as 50 were reported to have been seized/traded illegally. The species has a very low reproductive rate and continued illegal harvest is thought likely to pose a serious threat to its survival (IUCN-SSC and TRAFFIC 2002). Much of the forest within the species's range is still intact, but the Bolivian forest is threatened by expansion of the logging industry (although the species may benefit from the consequent patchwork clearance), as well as mining and drilling for gas.
Conservation
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix I. In Peru, 23.3% of its area of occupancy is within protected areas.
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Conservation Actions Proposed
Develop an appropriate census methodology. Survey for this species throughout its range to obtain quantitative population estimates. Determine the degree to which this species occurs in protected areas, and whether further such areas need gazetting. Support the enforcement of legislation preventing international trade. Raise awareness among local people of the need to conserve this species and its susceptibility to unsustainable exploitation.