Blue and Gold Macaws – How They Build Nests

The Blue and Gold Macaw is a beautiful, colorful bird. Blue and Gold Macaws can be found throughout Mexico. They are also found in Central America, and down into the northern part of South America. They live in the tall trees of the rainforest, especially in trees beside swamps and rivers.

But how do Blue and Gold Macaws build nests high in those trees?

Blue and Gold Squatters

Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild usually choose to nest in a hole near the top of a tall, dead palm tree. Blue and Gold Macaws’ nests are commonly 45 to 50 feet above the ground. The nest may not be of the Macaw’s making, however. It may have been built and used previously by a woodpecker.

Another common way for Blue and Gold Macaws to build nests is to find a palm tree that has been dead so long that its leaved crown has dried and fallen to the ground. The soft heart of the tree’s trunk dries inside and withers. This leaves a hollow, vertical tube with hard walls. Blue and Gold Macaws can move into this nest without work.

Blue and Gold Macaws make two entrances to their nest, often directly across from one another. This design provides good air flow in a hot, damp climate.

Blue and Gold Gnawers

Blue and Gold Macaws who can find no ready-made nest use their powerful beaks to gnaw a hole in a tall palm tree. They will also gnaw at ready-made nests to “remodel” and enlarge them to the desired size.

In areas of the rainforest where trees have become scarce due to logging, Blue and Gold Macaws accept man-made nest boxes, but often have less success raising chicks in these nests.

Blue and Gold Macaw Families

How do Blue and Gold Macaws build nests that will last? The same way they build their “marriages”. Blue and Gold Macaws mate between 3 and 6 years of age, and mate for life. Unlike many humans, Blue and Gold Macaws can experience a 40th or 45th “wedding anniversary” together.

The female Macaw lays one or two white eggs, and incubates them for 24-26 days. The male feeds her during that time.

It is a myth that Blue and Gold Macaws, with feathers of blue, gold, and green, will live to be 75 to 100 years old. However, their typical lifespan is up to 50 years.