The Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta Spixii) is a medium-sized parrot species with blue-toned plumage, native to northeastern Brazil. It is considered extinct in the wild due to habitat destruction and illegal poaching. However, thanks to international conservation efforts, the goal is to reintroduce the species to the wild using individuals bred in captivity.

Physical Characteristics

The Spix's Macaw is approximately 56 cm long and weighs around 300 grams. Its plumage is primarily grey-blue, light blue on the underside, and bright blue on the upper parts. Male and female individuals are similar in appearance; however, females are generally slightly smaller. They have a grey, featherless area on their face and dark grey beaks.

^{Spix's Macaw (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

Habitat and Distribution

This species lived in the Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil, especially in gallery forests where Tabebuia Caraiba (caraibeira) trees were abundant. These trees were critically important for the macaws to nest, feed, and rest.

Behavior and Ecology

Spix's Macaws typically move in pairs or small family groups. Their diet consists mainly of seeds from plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family and fruits from Tabebuia caraiba trees. Their breeding season is between November and March, and they usually lay 2-3 eggs.

Extinction and Conservation Efforts

The last individual of the Spix's Macaw in the wild disappeared in 2000, and the species was classified as "extinct in the wild" by the IUCN in 2019. The main reasons for its extinction include habitat loss and illegal poaching.

As part of conservation efforts, the number of individuals bred in captivity has been increased, and 20 individuals were released into the wild in 2022. Approximately 58.3% of these individuals survived their first year. Furthermore, the presence of chicks born in the wild was detected in 2023. However, environmental factors such as climate change and drought threaten the reintroduction of the species into nature.