Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus — The gentle giant — the world's largest parrot in stunning cobalt blue, with a personality to match.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus |
| Size | 100 cm, 1.2–1.7 kg |
| Wingspan | Up to 130 cm |
| Lifespan | 60–80 years |
| Vocabulary | 20–30 words |
| Noise Level | Loud |
| Family Suitability | Experienced owners only |
| CITES Status | CITES Appendix I |
The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest flying parrot species in the world — a breathtaking cobalt blue giant with a yellow facial ring and beak patch that sets it apart from every other bird on the planet. Native to central and eastern South America, particularly the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, the Hyacinth is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and listed on CITES Appendix I, making documentation non-negotiable for legal ownership.
Despite its imposing size, the Hyacinth Macaw is extraordinarily gentle, earning it the nickname gentle giant among parrot enthusiasts. Our hand-raised Hyacinths are socialised from the very first week of life, acclimated to human touch, voice, and environments before they leave our aviary. Each bird leaves with complete CITES documentation, a health certificate, and a ring of identification.
The Hyacinth's cobalt blue plumage is unlike any other naturally occurring colour in the bird world — deep, saturated, and iridescent in direct sunlight. At 100 cm from beak to tail tip and weighing up to 1.7 kg, a Hyacinth Macaw commands attention in any room. Its beak generates a bite force measured at over 300 psi — capable of cracking a coconut shell — yet hand-raised birds use this power with extraordinary gentleness, taking food delicately from fingers and grooming their owners with care.
Hyacinth Macaws are affectionate, playful, and deeply bonded to their human family. They are less neurotic than smaller macaws, generally calmer, and tend to be more accepting of multiple family members. They enjoy being held, scratched under the feathers, and participating in household activity. However, they are loud — their calls carry over long distances outdoors — and their destructive chewing capacity means any space they occupy must be designed around them.
Hyacinth Macaws have a unique diet in the wild — they specialise in palm nuts, particularly the fruit of the Bocaiúva and Acrocomia palms. In captivity, they require:
Unlike smaller parrots, Hyacinths process more fat in their diet due to their nut-based wild diet. Do not restrict fats as you might with an Amazon or African Grey. Avoid avocado, onion, chocolate, and caffeine.
Real photographs from our breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia — not stock images.
See more in our full gallery →
Hyacinth Macaws are among the most expensive parrots in the world due to their CITES Appendix I status, rarity, and the cost of breeding. Prices vary significantly. Please contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current availability and pricing.
Yes, with the correct documentation. A Hyacinth Macaw requires CITES import permits (Article 10 certificate in the UK post-Brexit) and must be purchased from a registered breeder with proper paperwork. We provide full documentation. Contact us for guidance.
Hyacinth Macaws are not renowned talkers — most learn 20–30 words. However, their personality, size, and affectionate nature more than compensate. Many owners find vocalisations — a range of calls, whistles, and sounds — more appealing than rote word repetition.
Hyacinths are the largest flying parrots and require very large enclosures — minimum 150×120×200 cm for the cage. Many owners dedicate a full room or build an outdoor aviary. Daily out-of-cage time in a bird-proofed area is essential.
Hand-raised Hyacinths are typically very gentle despite their formidable beak. They are generally calmer and less prone to biting than smaller macaws. However, any large parrot can bite if frightened or mishandled. Proper socialisation from birth — as we provide — minimises this risk substantially.
Yes. We deliver to Ireland as well as the UK via specialist live-animal air cargo. We handle all CITES export documentation from Spain; you will need to arrange the UK/Ireland CITES import permit, which we will guide you through.
In the wild they specialise in palm nuts. In captivity, their diet should include macadamia and Brazil nuts daily, quality macaw pellets, fresh fruit, and vegetables. They require more fat in their diet than other parrots — do not restrict healthy nut fats.
60–80 years in captivity with proper care. Owning a Hyacinth Macaw is a multigenerational commitment. We strongly recommend naming a guardian in your will.
Contact us to discuss current availability, pricing, and the delivery process. We answer all enquiries promptly and without obligation.