Sarah Williams - Hyacinth Macaws in Brazil

Several loud squawks and a flash of deep blue was my first introduction to the largest macaw in the world - the Hyacinth Macaw. I was in the South Pantanal, Brazil and spending the day with two girls who are part of a very small team who devote their time and effort to increasing the numbers of these stunning parrots in the wild.

In the late 1980's the number of Hyacinth Macaws had reached an all time low of just 1500 - 2000 birds. Their numbers had been reduced so drastically through a combination of deforestation of their natural habitat, capture for the illegal pet trade as a bird could command a price of $12,000! And their colourful feathers were also used for craftwork; it took 20 - 30 Macaws to make one headdress.

Having learnt that it was likely that these macaws would become extinct in her lifetime, a young biology student, Neiva Guedes began the Hyacinth Macaw project. This project has become a real success story with the numbers of birds having increased considerably over the past 10 years. Neiva has since been recognised for her achievement and the work continues to assist these beautiful birds in the wild.

Our day began by driving over farmland to a nest, which the girls had been monitoring for several months. The project works closely with local farmers who inform them of new nest sites on their land. After setting up the harness, Karlla pulled herself up to the large hole in a Manduvi tree, their favourite nesting site. The young bird was wrestled in to a bag and lowered to the ground where it was measured, DNA samples taken and a ring placed around its leg. The chick had already developed its distinctive blue and red feathers and was due to fledge soon. When it was returned to its nest, the parents who had stayed close were very vocal in their displeasure of us removing their precious youngster.

A breeding pair of Hyacinth Macaws won't produce eggs every year and the survival rate of the chicks is really quite low. Only two eggs are laid and it's usual for only one to survive and then both eggs and chick have to compete against many predators. The youngster will stay in the nest for 107 days and then remain with its parents, who share the responsibility, for a further 18 months.

As the Manduvi tree has to be at least 80 years old in order to be deep enough to support a nest, suitable sites have become fewer. This is one of the most successful areas of the project as they have managed to develop, after 10 years of experimenting, an artificial nest, which is acceptable to the Hyacinth Macaw. When placed in the right tree and facing north, the macaws are happy to move in and many of these artificial nests are in use across the Pantanal.

We then moved on to another tree, which was home to a much younger bird of about 20 days. With no feathers it looked like a scrawny chicken but smelt of coconut, which is due to its diet; Hyacinth Macaws only eat two types of fruit from palm trees.

Due to Neiva's dedication the Hyacinth Macaw population is increasing and as a visitor to the Pantanal region you to can contribute to the ongoing success of this project. Ecotourism has a part to play; it provides an incentive for farmers and government to protect both the natural habitat as well as the wildlife. This is one of the best places in Brazil to see birds and animals and if you join our new Endangered Wildlife tour, a desperately needed donation is made to this very worthwhile project.

Click here for Sarah's full trip report and more photos - Bountiful Brazil!

Click here for our 'Best of Brazil' itinerary which includes the Pantanal.

Click here for our 'Brazil's Endangered Wildlife' itinerary.