Blue and gold macaws (Ara ararauna) are native to parts of Central and South America. Prevalent in their native habitats, these majestic birds are caged darlings in homes worldwide. They require a committed, patient caregiver. Blue and gold macaws, also called blue and yellow macaws, live a quarter century in the wild and double that in a proper captive setting.
Mates for Life
Blue and gold macaws in the wild are monogamous, meaning they mate for life. Females lay one or two eggs and incubate them for approximately one month. Juvenile macaws reach sexual maturity between 3 years and 6 years of age. After reaching sexual maturity, these birds pair up and find nesting places to begin the life cycle over again. Blue and gold macaws do not mate every year.
Impressive Numbers
Adult blue and gold macaws typically live between 30 and 35 years in the wild. When captive as pets or cared for at zoos, these birds can live upwards of 50 years. One blue and gold macaw was reported to be 112 years old in 2011, although claims that the bird belonged to Winston Churchill were proved false. Blue and gold macaws live longer in captivity since they receive better care and are not subjected to the hazards of living in the wild, such as falling prey to eagles and snakes.
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Writer Bio
Amanda Williams has been writing since 2009 on various writing websites and blogging since 2003. She enjoys writing about health, medicine, education and home and garden topics. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at East Stroudsburg University in May 2013. Williams is also a certified emergency medical technician.
