Nonnatives - Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Blue-and-yellow Macaw - Ara ararauna

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1985

Extirpated year:

Established status: Species are present but not confirmed to be breeding. Population persists only with repeated introductions and/or escapes of individuals.

Estimated Florida range: 1 county  At least 10 years, 4 counties  Not reported breeding

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives:  Members of the parrot family carry Newcastle disease, identified in 1971, which can infect native songbirds, game birds, domestic chickens and turkeys, and other exotic bird species. The native bird species can be infected by smuggled exotic birds and birds not properly quarantined that are released into the wild. This species also breeds in cavities which might limit the number available to native cavity nesters.

Species Account: This species is native to South America and Trinidad, where it inhabits tropical lowland evergreen forest, gallery forest, and river-edge forest. Escapes of caged birds account for most of the sightings. It is probably not established at this time.

Habitats: Central or core urban area, Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns.

References

Pranty, B. 1995b. Field observations [spring report: March to May 1995]. Florida Field Naturalist 23:99-108.

Robertson, W. B., and G. E. Woolfenden. 1992. Florida bird species: an annotated list. Florida Ornithological Society, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Stevenson, H. M., and B. H. Anderson. 1994. The birdlife of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

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