Yellow Collared Macaw: Looks, Diet, Breeding, and Behavior

Last Updated on January 31, 2022

Yellow-collared Macaw is the smaller bird, sharing the personality traits of a larger Macaw. Yellow-collared macaws are very skillful, crafty, and charming birds. Because of their small size, it can easily be kept as a pet.

These macaws are very brilliant and can be easily trained by their owners. Yellow-collared macaws really love the attention of their owner and its family members. They feel good to be a part of the family. These macaws are very lively and share an incredible bond with their owner. Yellow-colored macaws are easily kept as pets because they are small and very lively; they do not want to be alone.

Scientific Classification of Yellow-collared Macaw:

Scientific name: Ara auricollis

Kingdom: Animalia

Class: Aves

Phylum: Chordata

Family: Psittacidae

Genus: Primolius

The common names of Yellow-collared macaws are:

• Yellow-naped macaw
• Golden-collared macaw
•  Cassin’s macaw

The Yellow-collared macaws are native to central South America, and their range includes some parts of Brazil and Argentina. Yellow-collared macaws in the wild form very strong bonds with their mate.

They are rarely seen dispatched from their flocks, in tropical forests and low woodlands, yellow collared macaws nest in tree cavities. They are also found in the local forests because they like greenery. Yellow-collared macaws are on the verge of endangered species.

What does a Yellow-collared macaw look like?

Yellow-collared macaws’ length is about 38 cm (15 in), of which half-length is because of its tail feathers. Their weight is about 8 to 10 ounces. The bodies of Yellow-collared macaws are covered with fluffy green feathers.

 As compared to other macaws’ feathers, their green color is a little darker. Some observers have also seen shades of green like olive green and lime green. Yellow-collared macaws, their name has been taken from the yellow band seen at the back of their neck.

 Their tails are maroon in color with dark blue spots at the end of the tips. There is a yellow tint on the underside of the yellow collared macaw, which can be easily seen during their flight.

The forehead of the Yellow-collared macaw is bluish-black in color, which gives a firm contrast to the large white patches. An orange-colored iris surrounds these patches. The beaks of yellow collared macaws are often black in color, which fades into white at the end of the upper mandible.

 The feet of yellow collared macaws are flesh-colored.

The male and female yellow collared macaws look alike because they are Monomorphic species. The males’ and females’ yellow collared macaws are similar because this is a monomorphic bird species. 

They are look-alike to each other, and they can be identified with DNA or surgical sexing. The color of a bird’s plumage is less lustrous in young and more vivid in older macaws.

 Where do Yellow-collared macaws live:

Yellow-collared Macaws naturally live in central South America. The range of these v macaws includes some parts of Brazil and of Bolivia. They are also seen in some parts of Argentina and Northern Paraguay.

The habitat of yellow collared macaw is also seen on the borders of humid lowland forests and rivers. Some of the Yellow-collared Macaws have existed in southwest Brazil. It also covers a small area in the center part of that country.

Yellow-collared macaws are often seen feeding on fruits and seeds in rainforests. They are also found in the Foothills of Cusco in Peru. In low woodlands and tropical forests, they are also seen living in the cavities of the tree. Yellow-collared macaws are herbivorous, and they eat seeds and fruits from the greenery of the wild.  

What does Yellow-collared macaw eat:

The range of wild yellow collared macaws is small, but it spans several countries. Yellow-collared macaws eat a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds from the greenery of the wild. A yellow collared pet should eat a diet that is just as varied.

The diet of macaws depends on their size. Yellow-collared macaws eat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of parrot mix. Parrot mix is the  (Mixture of large seeds which have vitamins, oats, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, and iron, etc. Yellow-collared macaws eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fruit and vegetables per day. Yellow-collared macaws drink fresh water every day. They also eat Supplements( if provided) with seeds and nuts to keep the macaw healthy and active.

For yellow collared macaws, some foods are very toxic.

•  Avocados
• Chocolate
•  Rhubarb
•  Coffee beans
•  Alcoholic Beverages

The Yellow-collared macaws are a Herbivorous parrot species. The diet of these macaws generally includes food from the wild vegetation. The yellow collared macaws usually feed on a diet of local seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetation.

Yellow-collared macaws also visit clay licks, where they ingest clay which is enriched with minerals. This clay gives valuable protection against toxins naturally found in the diet of macaws.

Yellow-collared macaws eat local food, but they are also eaten by local animals like Snakes, eagles, monkeys, etc. The yellow collared macaws are small in size, so they often become the victim of hunters’ hunting. 

Voice of yellow collared macaw:

Yellow-collared macaws tend to convert their vocal calls into speech. It looks pretty charming to listen to a macaw’s speech and mimic a human’s speech. Yellow-collared macaws have a loud vocal by nature. They are very intelligent at memorizing simple everyday words in captivity. Like other macaws, the Golden-collared macaws just love to goof off and show their tricks to everyone. They also utter their newly learned words quite often. However, if these yellow collared macaws are neglected, bored, or alarm by someone, they will behave harshly. When they are annoyed, they make very loud, noisy calls. Many Yellow-collared macaws are unique talkers; they are capable of uttering several words and even sentences. Some owners notice that the yellow collared macaw can speak more clearly as compared to other large macaws. 

Size of Yellow-collared macaw:

Yellow-collared macaws are also known as Mini Macaws, are found in the wild. Yellow-collared macaws are often considered Mini birds as compared to other large macaws.The size of the yellow collared macaw is about 14.9-15.7 in (38-40 cm). These Golden-collared macaws are almost half the size of one of their predator animals.

Weight of Yellow-collared macaw:

Yellow-collared macaws are small in size, and their weight is significantly less compared to large-sized macaws. They are known to weigh the range of 8.8-9.8 oz (250-280 g) and 0.551 lbs in adults. The weight of a yellow collared chick is  0.43 ounces or 12g.

Cost of yellow collared macaw:

The cost of yellow collared macaws varies with age, breed, and training. They usually cost about $700 to $1,100, more or less.

Breeding behavior of yellow collared macaw:

The yellow collared macaws are known to live in pairs with their mates. During the breeding season, Female Yellow-collared macaws nest in holes in big trees. The females lay about 1 to 3 eggs per clutch. Male yellow collared macaw gives his family protection and food. After 26 days of the medium incubation period, the eggs hatch into nestlings. Female yellow collared macaws take great care of their eggs. Female yellow collared macaws do not leave the nest for the extended periods of the first ten(10) weeks until they can fly. At the breeding season, these Golden-collared macaws are usually seen in pairs. When yellow collared macaws do not breed, they are typically seen in small family groups of up to 4 birds. According to some observations, occasional records show up to 60 birds existing at favorite foraging areas.

The lifespan of yellow collared macaw:

The Yellow-collared macaw is a lively and social bird. If it is adequately nourished with attention care, it can live up to 50 years.

Among all the species of macaws, the Golden-collared macaw is robust, hardy, and adapts behavior and tricks quickly. This is observed in their long lifespan. In order to maintain the health of Yellow-collared macaws at the peak condition, owners Must take care of some common issues of all pet birds. In order to overcome these issues, one needs to regularly chat with their bird and take care of their hygiene and diet. If the owner neglects their macaws, they will be very annoying.

Selective Diet of Yellow-collared macaw:

In the wild, yellow collared macaws eat selected fruits, nuts, and tree blossoms from the surroundings. The best staple diet for yellow collared macaws is commercial seed and pellet-based mix food. Because it helps them grow properly, it can be supplemented with additional vitamins and proteins—many fresh fruits and green vegetables. Kale, cabbage, apples, oranges, and carrots are always a very healthy choices, and they  can be added.

How many yellow collared macaws are left:

The exact number of Yellow-collared macaws is unknown, but according to research, it can be estimated that there are less than 10,000 mature birds of this species left. The actual size of the yellow collared macaws’ population has not been quantified, but it is believed that they are facing a continuous decline. Under the population size criterion (less than 10,000), mature individuals with a continuing decline are the reason behind its least concern. 

The behavior of yellow collared macaw:

The yellow collared macaw is very Affectionate but somewhat mischievous also. The yellow collared macaw is known as an intelligent and resourceful species of bird. By doing tricks, yellow collared macaws can easily seek the attention of their owner. These Yellow-collared greet their owners with great love and affection, whether they responded back or not.

Most of the yellow collared macaws prove to be extraordinary loveable pets. They are very social and lively birds. These characteristics are extensions of quickly their pairing and flocking instincts. Yellow-collared macaws gladly extend these traits to their human flock.

 The Yellow-collared macaw can be a loyal bird by sufficient training of discipline. This also develops deep and long-lasting bonds with their owners. These macaws are generally friendly by nature. Furthermore, if a yellow collared macaw does not get proper training from its owner at a young age, it will behave like a nippy bird.

Threats to Yellow-collared macaw: 

These macaws are very attractive, and often they get captured or hurt by people. There are many threats which they are facing.

Pet Trading:

Yellow-collared macaws are very attractive bird species. Due to their fresh green appearance, they often get predated by pet traders. Hunters hunt them to get food, and pet traders hurt them in order to catch them.

 They seem to be very perfect pets because of their captivated size and their friendly nature. This appears to be the major threat to them.

Effects of Climate Change on Yellow-collared macaw:

Natural disasters in the wild have devastating effects on wildlife which is a threat to their population. Their habitat is also losing due to Low rainfall rate and the removal of trees from the forests.

During the low rainfall, there is a threat of drought, which can badly influence the species of parrots and wildlife. 

Yellow-collared macaw as a Pet:

Yellow-collared macaws are a complete package of fun and love. The bond between you and your macaw gets more substantial, and then they will show the true wonders of their personality. Yellow-collared macaws are easier to care for and afford. 

They used to perform silly tricks, little dances, and goofy mimics, which made you fall in love. This Golden-collared macaw shows an intense and beautiful bond with the owner that lasts for life. These are very affectionate pets and share a deep bond with their owners.

Conclusion:

The Yellow-collared macaws are very attractive, lavish green birds. They are very friendly in their nature and share a very long-lasting bond with their owners. These Cockatoos are very small in size, so it is effortless to keep them with you.

The Yellow-collared macaws are also known as mini macaws, and their owner can train them. They can behave very nicely after getting proper training.

Also read about: Lear’s[Indigo] Macaw: Looks, Diet, Breeding, and Behavior