Macaws are not an official symbol of Brazil, but you’ll see them reflected across popular culture and in wildlife here. These majestic birds are beautiful, clever, and adapting to living in cities as well! Matto Grosso do Sul, the state where I am in Brazil, is well-known across the country for its large populations of Macaws. While they may be normal here, I will always be in awe of these vibrantly colored creatures.
There are several different types of Macaws. I am still waiting to see a cobalt blue Hyacinth Macaw, which is endangered and is the largest parrot species in the world. So far, I have seen the Blue and Yellow Macaw, and the Red and Green Macaw. Neither of these are considered endangered species, but they remain emblematic of the country and the surrounding Pantanal region.
The Red and Green Macaw is about 3 ft long, and is covered in a vibrant red plumage with green feathers lining the end of their wings. The Blue and Yellow Macaw has a blue body with yellow feathers decorating its belly, neck, and the underside of its wings. Both Red and Green macaws, and Blue and Yellow Macaws have zygodactyl feet. Zygodactyl means that they have two toes pointing forwards, and two toes pointing backwards. This helps them grip things like food and branches, and also helps them climb.
