How Big Are Hyacinth Macaws? (Wingspan + Size)

Hyacinth Macaw (Hyacinth Tuna) are known for their rich blue plumage. These rather rare parrots are isolated in three regions of South America, but they are frequently seen in zoos.

true member of the parrot family psittacidae, the hyacinth macaw is very intelligent and sometimes uses tools for food. So here we are going to answer: How big is the Hyacinth Macaw?

Hyacinth Macaws are exceptionally large parrots. In fact, they are about 1 meter long and weigh about 1.3 to 1.7 kilograms, making them the largest of all flying parrots. That’s because New Zealand’s flightless kakapo are much heavier.

The length of the Hyacinth Macaw is flattered by its long tail – the body is of medium size. However, this parrot is still surprisingly large, with a wingspan of about 120cm to 155cm. Even the hyacinth macaw’s hooked beak is strong enough to break through most steel cages!

Of course, there’s a lot more to learn about this wonderful parrot – read on to find out!

The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest flying parrot species in the world

Hyacinth Macaw Wingspan

The hyacinth macaw has a wingspan of about 120 cm to 150 cm (4 ft to 5 ft).

This is very large – only slightly smaller than a turkey vulture. Males and females are nearly identical in size, with no substantial difference in wingspan.

The Hyacinth Macaw has an impressive wingspan and can reach 5 feet

Calabash Macaw Weight

Hyacinth Macaws weigh about 1.55 to 1.6 kg (3 to 3.5 lbs).

This makes them the heaviest flying parrots, with a slight edge over other macaws. Several other macaws came close to the 1.5kg mark, but none weighed as much as Hyacinth Market – although the gap was small.

Hyacinth Macaw Length

The Hyacinth Macaw is about 1 meter (3.3 feet) long. Their massive tails largely explain their length.

They are the longest of all parrots, with the largest wingspan, but not the heaviest – a title held by New Zealand’s flightless kakapo.

Close up of a Hyacinth Macaw perched high in a tree

How big are Hyacinth Macaws compared to humans?

The Hyacinth Macaw is a large bird about 1 meter (3.3 feet) long with a wingspan of about 120 to 150 centimeters (4 to 5 feet).

Humans can hold them with relative ease – at around 1.5kg, they’re not particularly heavy. The wingspan is about the same as the height of a 12- to 13-year-old boy.

So, while hyacinth macaws are large parrots, they’re not particularly large for birds in general — except for their huge beaks.

How big are juvenile Hyacinth Macaws?

Hyacinth Macaws have a lifespan of over 50 years and do not reach full size for 2.5 to 3 years. The chick period is particularly long, exceeding 100 days.

Juvenile Hyacinth Macaws look similar to adults, but with more ruffled plumage and some bare patches. They range in size from about a foot (30 cm) when they’re just starting out, to nearly enough for a full size at 1 meter (3.3 feet) long.

Hyacinth Macaw in flight

How big was the biggest hyacinth macaw ever?

Hyacinth Macaws typically weigh 1.6 kg (3.3 lb) or slightly taller. However, there are no official records of the largest hyacinth macaw.

Why Are Hyacinth Macaws So Big?

Hyacinth macaws are large birds, but not as large as other birds in the same area, such as the harpy eagle. Most macaws are large, but the hyacinth macaw is the largest.

What makes these parrots unique is not only their great length and wingspan, but also their huge beaks. Macaws have a bite force of about 500 to 700 pounds per square inch, similar to that of a large dog but stronger than that of a human.

In fact, a hyacinth macaw can easily chew on a broom handle or a human finger. They need custom steel cages as they can bend and break most typical steel bird cages!

In the wild, this large beak helps macaws crack and crush tough nuts and seeds. Their bill makes for a breeze with large Brazil nut pods and macadamia nuts.

They can even crack coconuts. While Hyacinth Macaws are generally docile when kept as pets, you must keep an eye on their bills, as even a naughty bite can cause serious injury.

Hyacinth Macaw eating Acuri palm fruit

Hyacinth Macaw compared to other parrot species

Macaws are some of the largest types of parrots, some of which are similar in size to hyacinth macaws.Most large macaws belong to the genus Allah and tunawhich contains:

• blue and gold macaw
• blue throated macaw
• Chestnut-fronted Macaw
• Cuban Red Macaw
• blue parrot
• great green macaw
• Hyacinth Macaw
• Indigo Macaw or Lear’s Macaw
• military macaw
• Red-green (green-winged) macaw
• Red-fronted Macaw
• St. Croix Macaw
• Scarlet Macaw

For example, the blue-and-yellow macaw also weighs 1.5 kg, but it is not as long as the hyacinth macaw. Blue-throated macaws, scarlett macaws, great green macaws, and military macaws are all large birds, but not as large as hyacinth macaws.

Pair of hyacinth macaws perched together in a tree

Why do hyacinth macaws have large beaks?

Hyacinth Macaws have huge hooked beaks. These mighty beaks aren’t just for show – they’re so strong they’ll bite off human fingers!

In fact, Hyacinth Macaws have such a strong bite that they can easily bite through a standard metal cage. So when these giant parrots are kept in captivity, they are kept in a custom heavy duty cage to prevent them from escaping.

Their huge bills allow them to crack nuts and seeds such as macadamias and Brazil nuts. They can also smash coconuts. Parrots are good at crunching nuts and seeds — which are a major part of their diet.

One thing’s for sure – don’t let the Hyacinth Macaw think your fingers are a delicious treat!

Hyacinth Macaws use their large, powerful beaks to eat nuts and seeds

Is the Hyacinth Macaw the largest parrot?

The hyacinth macaw is the largest flying parrot. New Zealand’s flightless kakapo are much heavier at 3.5 kg versus 1.5 kg.

Many macaws are similar in size to the hyacinth macaw, such as the red and green macaw, the great green macaw, the blue and gold macaw, the scarlet macaw and the military macaw.

However, the Hyacinth Macaw is slightly superior in length and wingspan. In terms of weight, many other large macaws reach a similar weight of 1.5 kg.