The Rare Spix Macaw

[kellywess]

I was just reading this article and it caught my eye, as I was at a bird fair the other day and a gentlemen there is a part of a breeding program for Blue Headed Macaws also known as Coulons Macaws. There is a lady in Richmond who is currently and successfully breeding them and is hoping to sell them in pairs for $25000.00 next year. Well anyway we were talking about the Shiek who is working to bring the populations up in captivity with his Spix Macaw captive breeding program. Its a good, interesting read... hope you enjoy.

Blue Head Macaw Pics and Bio
Blue-headed Macaw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spix Article
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0907-a...interview.html

They are beautiful little birds. It would be shame to lose them. He seems to really care about the species and not just the value of having the ability to own them.

[LovelySydney]

That was an awesome article, thanks for sharing. 68 of Spix Macaws in their captivity. A number so small but a number that means so much - isnt that utterly amazing? I hope that they continue to keep those numbers growing and keep them safe. They are such BEAUTIFUL birds - the blue is stunning.

[kellywess]

They are just worried what is going to happen to them once the Sheik is gone. Is it going to go back to the old ways of thinking? I certainly hope not. It would be a shame.

[Lisa B]

Thanks for sharing, and it is good news. I have a feeling I know a collector that will be trying to aquire if any are brought here.

[LovelySydney]

Now when people "collect" these birds, am I right to say that they take good care of the birds?? What I mean is, do they have people who come in and monitor them or do they give them proper care and food and play time, etc. - or are they just an "art piece" to people?

[kellywess]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

Thanks for sharing, and it is good news. I have a feeling I know a collector that will be trying to aquire if any are brought here.

The lady in Richmond who is currently breeding the Blue Headed Macaws is supposed to start selling them in pairs Spring of next year. I can get her info if your friend will be interested.

I think it will be an extremely long time before and if Spix Macaws are available in the pet trade. Not with numbers as low as those.

[red192]

they are beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have never heard of them, but i am also still new to the bird world

[Rahni]

I would be most disappointed if they did end up in the pet trade. Not every species of parrot needs to be made a pet to be appreciated! I know a few were pets and were given to the breeding program.
The numbers would need to be very high indeed (in captivity AND in the wild) before anyone could justify having one as a pet!

[TooDusty]

Are spix macaws minis? They don't look much bigger than Illigers Macaw...and they have the mischevious look of a Hahns Macaw. SOO CUTE!!

[YellowCrowned]

Here you can get some more info on the status of this really endangered species... ;) This guy is said to have "collected" and preserves almost all the known existing spix's macaws and has them on a breeding program showing some good progress for this species future.

Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation

Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation