
LEAR’S MACAW
Scientific Name: Anodorhynchus leari
Other Common Names: Indigo Macaw
Native Country: Brazil
Habitat: Dry forests or Sandstone cliffs
Height (Head to Tail): 70-75cm, Large Size
Lifespan: up to 50 years
Weight: 900-950 grams
** Lear’s Macaw are an endangered species therefore we do not recommend keeping these parrots in captivity due to their conservation status. Unless you are a professional part of breeding programs.
Lear’s Macaw – Appearance:
The Indigo macaw’s are covered in luscious deep blue/grey plumage whereas the base of the beak and eye rings are bare and bright yellow. Nevertheless, the Lear’s Macaw looks strikingly similar to the Hyacinth Macaw or Glaucous Macaw. Nevertheless don’t be mistaken, some distinguishing features include the Lear’s smaller size, limited geographical distribution within Brazil and plumage color ranging for blue to greenish tones. For example, Lear Macaw chicks will have a turquoise green head which slowly fades throughout maturity.

Lear’s Macaw – Diet:
60% Nuts/Seed – Licuri Nuts, Palm Nuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Macadamias, Coconut, Pistachios, Cashews, Pecans, Hazelnuts, Brazil Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, Safflower, Wheat, Millets
20% Fresh Fruit and Vegetables – Apples, Cantaloupe/Rockmelon, Berries, Grapes, Watermelon, Oranges, Pears, Plums, Carrots, Beans, Kale, Broccoli, Cucumber, Peas, Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Corn,
20% Pellets – Specialized pellets formulated for large macaws. Popular brands include: Kaytee Fiest Macaw Food, Lafeber Premium Daily Macawa and ZuPreem Smart Selects Food
Tip: Hide nuts within toys to keep your bird entertained and foraging for hours.
Essentials section is not included for the Lears Macaw however you can still:
Click here to download our 100% FREE domesticated bird care checklist here.
Lear’s Macaw – Behavior:
- Socialization: Lear’s Macaws are social parrots meaning they enjoy foraging in flocks of up to 30 birds. However little is known about their interaction with humans as not many are known to be in captivity.
- Vocalization: These parrots have loud calls that resemble a “kraaa” screech. Their talking or mimicking ability is unknown.

Lear’s Macaw – Breeding:
On average the Lear’s Macaw reaches sexual maturity at 2 – 4 years of age. They are considered monomorphic breeds meaning female and males look alike. Therefore if you plan to breed a pair, make sure you get a DNA test beforehand.
Other facts for breeding are mentioned below:

- Mating Partner: monogamous – one partner for life
- Breeding Season: Wet season
- Clutch Frequency: 1 clutch per year
- Clutch Quantity: 2 – 3 eggs per clutch
- Incubation Period: 29 days
- Weaning: 8 – 10 months
Lear’s Macaw – Health:
Common Issue | Symptoms | Causes |
---|---|---|
Psittacosis | Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, vomiting, nasal/ocular discharge, diarrhea or pale green feces, breathing difficulties, conjunctivitis, minimal physical movement, tremors | Bacteria: Chlamydia psittaci contracted via infected dried saliva, feathers, mucous and feces |
Proventricular Dilatation Syndrome “Macaw Wasting Syndrome“ | Loss of appetite, vomiting, passing of undigested food in feces, weight loss, overall body weakness, head tremors seizures | Avian Bornavirus (ABV) contracted through feces, saliva and other bodily secretions from birds – causes nerve inflammation |
Feather Plucking | Form of self mutilation by plucking their own feathers, leaving bald patches of skin | Boredom, lack of mental stimulation, poor diet, illness, stress |
Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease | Sharp, clubbed or abnormally short feathers, pigment loss in colored feathers, bloody feather shafts | Beak & Feather Disease Virus (BFDV) contracted from other infected birds e.g. oral – parent feeding young or ingestion of virus particles in dust feces |
Aspergillosis | Weight loss, lethargy, constantly fluffed feathers, difficulty breathing, cloudy eyes, droopy wings | Aspergillus fungus: exposure to spores found in dust, mold, soil – mainly affects malnourished or immunocompromised birds |
Malnutrition | Nasal discharge, sneezing, wheezing conjunctivitis, poor feather quality, weakness, egg binding, embryonic death | Vitamin A or Calcium deficiency |
Worms | Diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, malnutrition or blood in feces | Ascaris roundworm or flatworms – eggs passed in droppings |
Listen to the Lear’s Macaw Success Story by the American Bird Conservancy below:
Did You Know?
1. According to the National Geographic, it is believed that there are under 1,200 of these birds remaining in the wild
2. The population of the Indigo Macaw has been threatened by habitat loss and illegal trafficking
3. Don’t miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity to view these endangered macaws at Sao Paulo Zoo!