Blue and Gold macaws getting a snack from a local friend in Caracas, Venezuela. Image by Douglas Arias.Caracas has its flaws but the city is an unusual, extraordinary and exotic place. Images like these captured in the Santa Monica district of Caracas both amaze and console us. These Blue and Gold macaws (Ara ararauna) can be seen at sunset during the endless traffic hours Caracas suffers in areas like Los Próceres, el Laguito del Circulo Militar, Santa Mónica, Cumbres de Curumo, Prados del Este, Macaracuay, Colinas de Bello Monte, Los Chaguaramos and Los Próceres. Observations are that these macaws migrate at the end of every day to the Mariposa and Potrerito areas of the city. A free show for the many commuters and residents of the area that bother to look out of their windows.
Flocks of up to 17 Macaws have been spotted in the city. Image by Douglas Arias.The Blue and Gold macaws normally live in tropical forests, at sea level to 500 m elevation. They are often seen in pairs but groups can reach up to 25 or so. They normally exhibit a docile temperament and can be affectionate to their owners. Some individuals demand much attention from their human family which reminds us that it is better to observe them in the wild then in captivity.
Blue and Gold macaws are a very special Caracas phenomenon. The population gradual took shape in the 80s. Ornithological records indicate that the first individuals may have come from one Mr. Vittorio Poggi, who has raised and released over 80 of these birds from the 60s onward.
Macaws have been released in the city from the 60s onward resulting in an established and intigrated urban population. Image by Douglas AriasAlthough these city birds are not native to the Caracas area, Blue and Gold macaws are now an integrated part of the town where they live in several flocks and produce offspring annually. Groups up to 14 individuals have been observed with numerous nesting pairs guarding and feeding their chicks. Installing nest boxes would help the macaw. Their nesting habitat is under threat by urban development. The city Major and the Ministry for the Environment have a responsibility here. The destruction of the macaws nesting habitat also aids the excessive poaching that occurs to supply the pet trade. Similar pressures on the wild population already place the species in real danger of extinction.
Parrots are hit hard by these factors. Most species in this family require forest vegetation for their food and tree cavities in for nesting.