The blue-yellow macaw, often simply called “ararauna”, is undoubtedly the most well-known and most widespread species of ara: color and size, docility and tranquility make it excellent as a pet but also as a circus juggler (in some water parks and playgrounds in fact these parrots are a real attraction, alone or in association with other animals).
It is a very beautiful animal in shape and color, long-lived and very robust, and above all it is the ara that best of all was given to reproduction in captivity: this is the reason for its great success with breeders and enthusiasts.
It is one of the largest parrots, with its 86–88 cm, thanks also to its long tail. It is also known for its longevity, being able to reach and exceed 70 years.
In appearance is a bird with a wild shape (ie elongated), rather strong and compact, with a good wingspan. In fact it is a good flyer but like most of the Psittaciforms it loves to climb making use of the strong legs and the beak.
The head is large, slightly more massive in the males (but the sexual dimorphism is not evident), with a green front that fades into blue-blue towards the head and the nape; the reins and cheeks are of white bare skin with light black streaks, more accentuated near the eyes. The black of the chinstrap is evident. The strong and large beak, even in this case of greater size in the male, is black. The eye has a black iris with a yellow rim (in young subjects it is brownish). The nape, the rump and in general the whole upper part, including wings and tail, are of a beautiful blue-blue, while the neck, the chest, the belly, the abdomen and the lower part of wings and tail are of intense yellow color. The legs, short and robust, suitable for climbing, are dark gray, like the nails.