Birds diurnal

Spix's Macaw

Cyanopsitta spixii

The Spix's Macaw is a symbol of hope and persistence, recently returned to the Brazilian wild after being extinct in the forest for over two decades. With its stunning gradient of blues and soulful expression, this 'little blue macaw' is one of the rarest sights in the avian world.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 55–57 cm (21.5–22.5 in); Wingspan: approx. 60–70 cm (24–28 in); Weight: 300–400 g (10.5–14 oz)

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Colors

Various shades of blue; pale blue-grey head, darker cobalt wings and tail, with black facial skin (lores)

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Key Features

Distinctive pale greyish-blue head and neck
Vibrant cobalt blue wings and long, slender tail
Bare black skin patches between the eye and beak
Relatively small and delicate build compared to other macaws

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

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Season Year-round, with increased activity during the breeding season from November to March

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Diet A specialist feeder primarily consuming seeds and nuts from native dry-forest trees, specifically the Faveleira and Pinhão, as well as seasonal fruits.

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Habitat Semi-arid Caatinga dry shrubland and gallery forests dominated by Caraiba trees along riverbanks.

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Behavior

The Spix’s Macaw, famously known as the 'Little Blue Macaw,' is a highly social and intelligent bird that thrives on interaction. Historically, these parrots lived in small family groups or pairs, rarely seen alone unless searching for a mate. They are known for their loud, raspy vocalizations that echo through the gallery forests of the Brazilian Caatinga, using these calls to maintain contact with their flock while foraging or flying.

In the wild, they exhibit a fascinating 'sentinel' behavior. While the group feeds on seeds or nuts, at least one bird remains perched high in a Caraiba tree to watch for potential predators, sounding a sharp alarm if danger approaches. Their recent reintroduction has shown them to be resilient and adaptive, slowly relearning the migratory and foraging patterns that were nearly lost during their time in captivity.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Spix’s Macaw on camera requires a strategic approach focused on their specific habitat requirements. Because these birds are part of a highly managed reintroduction program, the best locations for camera placement are near known 'soft-release' sites or established watering holes. If you are in the Curaçá region, aim your camera at the canopy of Caraiba trees, which serve as their primary nesting and roosting spots. Mount your camera at a slight downward angle from a neighboring branch or use a high-reach pole to get a clear view of their flight paths.

For those looking to document ground-level behavior, focus on water troughs or natural depressions where rainwater collects. Spix's Macaws are most vulnerable when drinking, so they prefer spots with nearby cover. Set your AI-powered camera to 'Burst Mode' or high-speed video. These birds are incredibly fast flyers, and a standard single-shot trigger might only capture a blue blur. A trigger speed of 0.2 seconds or faster is highly recommended to catch the detail of their feathers mid-flight.

Lighting in the Brazilian Caatinga can be harsh and overblown during midday. To get the best color representation of their unique cerulean plumage, ensure your camera is active during the 'golden hours' of dawn and dusk. Use a polarizing filter if possible to reduce the glare from the waxy leaves of the Faveleira trees. If you are using a bait or lure, stick to the natural: planting native Pinhão or Faveleira trees in your viewing area is the only ethical way to attract them, as artificial feeders can disrupt their re-adaptation to the wild.

Finally, consider the seasonal movements. During the rainy season (November to March), the birds are more localized around nesting hollows. During the dry season, they may travel further for food. If your camera supports time-lapse, set it to capture a frame every 5 minutes during the morning peak hours; this can help you identify their preferred flight corridors before you commit to a permanent high-speed video setup.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Spix's Macaw.

Lear's Macaw

Lear's Macaw is larger, has a darker blue head, and features prominent yellow patches near the base of the beak.

Hyacinth Macaw

Much larger than the Spix's, with a deeper navy-blue color and distinctive yellow rings around the eyes and beak.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Easily distinguished by its bright yellow underparts and green forehead, whereas the Spix's is entirely blue and grey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spix's Macaws are diurnal and follow a strict schedule. They are most active during the early morning hours just after sunrise (6-9 AM) when they leave their roosts to feed, and again in the late afternoon (4-6 PM) before returning to the safety of the Caraiba trees for the night.

Attracting Spix's Macaws is currently only possible for residents within their specific reintroduction zone in Bahia, Brazil. The most effective way to attract them is by preserving or planting native trees like the Caraiba for nesting and the Faveleira or Pinhão for food.

Their diet is highly specialized, consisting almost entirely of seeds and nuts from native Caatinga plants. They particularly favor the seeds of the Cnidoscolus quercifolius (Faveleira) and Jatropha mutabilis (Pinhão), which they crack open with their powerful beaks.

No, Spix's Macaws are not common in suburban areas. They are one of the rarest birds in the world and are currently restricted to a very specific conservation and reintroduction area in the semi-arid Caatinga region of northeast Brazil.

The Spix's Macaw is significantly smaller (about half the size) than the Hyacinth Macaw. While the Hyacinth is a deep, uniform cobalt blue with bright yellow eye-rings, the Spix's has a much lighter, grey-blue head and black facial skin without the yellow rings.

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