# Blue-and-gold Macaw: Size, Character and Care | Crownwing Parrots Canonical URL: https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/parrots/macaws/blue-and-gold-macaw/ A practical guide to Blue-and-gold Macaw size, noise, social needs, housing, enrichment and the commitment involved. HomeSpecies guidesMacaw Parrots SPECIES & CARE # Blue-and-gold Macaw The Blue-and-gold Macaw is a large South American parrot, striking in blue and yellow plumage and requiring far more than a spacious cage. Its strength, social nature and powerful voice make careful household preparation essential. Scientific nameAra ararauna Typical adult sizeAbout 76–86 cm long including the tail; around 900–1,300 g, with variation. Lifetime planningSeveral decades is a realistic planning horizon; longevity varies and is never guaranteed. ## Overview and appearance Blue-and-gold Macaws have a turquoise-blue back and wings, golden-yellow underparts, a greenish forehead and a long graduated tail. Bare white facial skin is patterned with dark feather lines. They are among the larger commonly kept macaws, and their beak can exert considerable force. Native to parts of Central and South America, wild birds use large areas and remain active in social settings. A companion needs comparable opportunities to climb, manipulate objects and make choices. Their spectacular appearance should never distract from the extensive daily and long-term commitment. ## Personality and social needs These macaws are often inquisitive, energetic and socially responsive, but there is no single dependable temperament for every bird. Their size means that excitement, fear or frustration can have serious consequences if interactions are poorly managed. Learn to notice posture, eye and feather changes, and give the bird room to disengage. A macaw needs structured attention without being expected to remain constantly on a person. Encourage independent play and foraging as well as calm shared activities. Household members should follow consistent boundaries and never tease, startle or allow unsupervised child–bird contact. ## Typical adult size At roughly 76–86 cm from beak to tail, with a typical planning weight around 900–1,300 g, this is a very large parrot. Measurements vary. Its housing must withstand heavy use and give the bird space to move, stretch, climb and play; a small cage with occasional release is not a suitable plan. ## Expected lifespan and long-term care Blue-and-gold Macaws can live for several decades. Lifespan depends on many factors and no figure predicts an individual’s life. Think through the bird’s future care if you move, change work patterns or cannot continue as its guardian. ## Talking and vocalisation Macaws are capable of loud contact calls that carry over distance. They may also imitate sounds, but speech is not assured. Consider neighbours, shared walls and the times a bird might call when household members are out; training cannot remove normal parrot vocal behaviour. ## Intelligence and reward-based training Their curiosity makes positive-reinforcement training valuable for practical cooperation, including stationing, carrier entry and safe movement between areas. Sessions should be short and rewarding. Provide puzzle feeders and robust, bird-safe materials to investigate. Strong beaks make careful toy selection and supervision essential. ## Diet and nutrition Provide a balanced plan based on suitable formulated food and a varied selection of fresh vegetables, with fruit and energy-rich treats managed thoughtfully. A seed- or nut-heavy menu is not a suitable default. Ask an avian veterinarian to review the bird’s diet, condition and any changes rather than following a fixed ration online. ## Housing, exercise and enrichment Plan for a large, secure enclosure and a genuinely spacious bird-safe area for supervised exercise. Strong perches, safe climbing structures and enrichment made for large parrots are important. Check regularly for worn fittings, splintering or swallowed parts, and allow quiet periods as well as activity. ## Suitability and ownership questions This species is generally best considered by people with the room, time, confidence and resources for a powerful, noisy, long-lived parrot. Families need clear adult-led routines and safe separation when supervision is unavailable. It is not a sensible choice simply because a young bird appears affectionate or can be taught tricks. Before enquiring, ask about this individual’s age, behaviour, feeding routine and experience with handling. Discuss safe accommodation, household noise tolerance, ongoing care and current availability. Species information is educational: it does not indicate that a Blue-and-gold Macaw is presently available. ## Prepare before you enquire Work through the UK buying journeyCheck documentation and registrationBuild your ownership budgetPrepare for the first days at home ## Plan the next step Macaw Parrots category guideMacaw Parrots buying questionsPractical ownership planningHousing, exercise and enrichmentQuestions to resolve before buyingBudgeting for lifetime careFeeding and nutrition guidanceAvailable groups and current-bird enquiries CURRENT BIRDS · DETAILS BY ENQUIRY ## Ask which Blue-and-gold Macaw birds are available Could you confirm whether a Blue-and-gold Macaw is currently available and discuss the individual bird’s care history and needs? Ask about current birds ## Compare related species Scarlet Macaw ## Links and sources - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/parrots/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/parrots/macaws/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/buying-a-parrot/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/cites-parrots-uk/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/parrot-ownership-costs/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/preparing-for-a-parrot/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/parrots-for-sale/macaws/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/choosing-a-parrot/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/parrot-housing-enrichment/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/buying-a-parrot-checklist/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/guides/parrot-diet-nutrition/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/available-birds/ - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/contact/?species=macaws&bird=blue-and-gold-macaw - https://crownwingparrots.co.uk/parrots/macaws/scarlet-macaw/