The blue and green parrot refers to a few different species of parrots that display brilliant blue and green plumage. Parrots come in a stunning array of colors, but some of the most recognizable and beautiful parrots are those with shades of blue, green, turquoise, and teal in their feathers. Determining the specific name and species of a blue and green parrot requires looking at key characteristics and identifying features beyond just its colors. With hundreds of different parrot species in existence, narrowing down the name involves understanding taxonomy, geographic ranges, behavior, size, and distinctive markings.
Common Blue and Green Parrot Species
There are a few prime candidates when it comes to blue and green parrots found around the world:
Blue-and-Gold Macaw
The blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna) is a large, vibrant parrot found in regions of South America. True to its name, it displays gorgeous blue flight feathers along with bright yellow feathers on its chest and green on its back and wings. Blue-and-gold macaws have a distinctive bare white face patch along with dark beaks. They are energetic, loud, and highly intelligent birds that can mimic speech and form strong bonds with owners. On average, they live up to 35 years when well cared for.
Green-Winged Macaw
The green-winged macaw (Ara chloropterus) is also referred to as the red-and-green macaw. It is smaller than the blue-and-gold but shares a habitat range in Central and South America. Green-winged macaws are mostly bright red in color, offset by contrasting green wing feathers. Their green coloring is more limited to the wings versus spread across the body. They have a greyish beak and white rings around their eyes. Their average lifespan in captivity is 50-60 years.
Blue-Throated Macaw
Native to a small region of Bolivia, the blue-throated macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a critically endangered species. As the name hints, it has distinctive blue feathers on its throat and upper chest combined with yellow on the lower chest and green on the abdomen, back wings and tail. It has a pale beak and bare white facial patches around the eye. Intense trapping and habitat loss has made this macaw extremely rare in the wild.
Scarlet Macaw
The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) inhabits forests in Central and South America. While not as brilliantly blue as some others, scarlet macaws do have various shades of blue on their wings, tail and parts of the body. They are more prominent for their bright red plumage, with green feathers on their wings and tail. Scarlet macaws have white facial patches and dark beaks. Some subspecies have teal-colored feathers on parts of the body. Along with a loud, raucous nature, their bright crimson coloring makes scarlet macaws easy to spot.
Identifying Features Beyond Color
While blue and green coloring can help point towards certain parrot species, there are other physical and behavioral clues that set them apart. Here are some features beyond plumage to aid identification:
Size – Macaws tend to be larger in stature, ranging from about 2-3 feet in length. Smaller parakeets and conures that display some blue or green, such as budgies, lovebirds and fig parrots, measure under a foot long.
Shape – Macaws have longer, pointed tail feathers; a large curved beak; and a bare facial patch. Smaller parrots have short, blunt tails and lack a bare facial patch. Fig parrots have short tails and distinctive red beaks.
Range – The natural habitat range can differentiate regional species. For example, scarlet macaws occupy ranges in Central and South America while the fig parrot is native to Australia.
Behavior – Personality and nature can be clues. Larger macaws are noisy, demanding birds requiring significant care. Budgies and lovebirds are gentler. Fig parrots travel in noisy flocks and have stockier bodies.
Markings – Look closely for specific feather patterns, such as the green-winged macaw’s contrasting red body and green wings. Blue mutations of some species won’t match the typical wild markings.
Researching Parrot Species
When identifying an unknown blue and green parrot, some research and investigation is required. Here are helpful steps and resources:
– Note the parrot’s overall size and proportions. This gives a sense of whether it is a larger macaw or smaller parakeet.
– Observe key markings beyond the blue and green feathers. Make note of any distinctive patterns, patches, sections of contrasting color, eye color, and facial markings.
– Listen to and note the parrot’s typical vocalizations. Macaws are loud and squawky while budgies are more subdued.
– Consider where the parrot originated from. Knowing if it is native to Australia, Africa, Asia or the Americas will narrow options.
– Consult reputable online databases with images and profiles of parrot species, such as those from birding organizations. Cross-reference colors, markings, vocals, range maps and sizes.
– Check books and field guides on parrots and parakeets from a natural history museum or birding society to investigate possible matches.
– Search for videos of the species in question to get a better sense of appearance and behavior. Listen for vocalizations and watch their movements.
– Seek advice from avian experts such as ornithologists, conservation groups, and avian veterinarians who may quickly recognize the species.
With some careful sleuthing and background research, the name and species of a mysterious blue and green parrot can be solved.
Causes of Blue and Green Coloration in Parrots
The striking blue and green hues found on so many parrot species have a fascinating scientific basis. By understanding what gives parrots their coloring, we gain appreciation into their natural beauty.
Structural Coloration
In many parrot feathers, the color blue is caused by structural coloration and is not a pigment. Tiny intricate structures within the feather barbules reflect light in a way that produces a blue color. If the feather is viewed under magnification, no blue pigment is observed. Slight variations in the structures create shades ranging from pale blue to turquoise. This occurs in blue-and-gold macaws, blue-throated macaws, and hyacinth macaws.
Psittacofulvins
Parrots generate a class of red, orange and yellow pigments called psittacofulvins. The pigment in budgie feathers contains psittacofulvin, which combines with the structural blue coloration to create a green appearance. The same effect occurs in many amazon parrots. Psittacofulvins are also responsible for vivid scarlet, orange and yellow parrot plumage.
Phyocyanin
Some parrot feathers contain stacks of phyocyanin, a pigment that reflects blue light. This pigment is found in the scarlet macaw giving its feathers an intense bluish hue. It also occurs in smaller fig parrots. Phyocyanin-based color can appear more subtle and greyish in some lighting compared to structural blue.
Melanins
Melanins are pigments that produce darker black, brown and grey feathers. A parrot’s green body feathers often contain both psittacofulvins and melanins. The balance shifts their appearance towards green. Budgies demonstrate this blend of yellow psittacofulvins and melanins to achieve green plumage. Melanins on their own create dark green almost black feathers.
Examples of Blue and Green Parrot Species
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Region | Size | Color Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-and-gold macaw | Ara ararauna | Central & South America | 33-35 in long | Brilliant blue back; yellow chest |
| Green-winged macaw | Ara chloropterus | Central & South America | 25-28 in long | Mostly red with green wings |
| Hyacinth macaw | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus | South America | 40 in long | Deep blue; yellow eye ring |
| Scarlet macaw | Ara macao | Central & South America | 33-36 in long | Mostly red; blue wings/tail |
| Budgerigar | Melopsittacus undulatus | Australia | 7-8 in long | Green-blue with yellow |
| Fig parrot | Cyclopsitta diophthalma | New Guinea & Australia | 8-10 in long | Green with red beak |
Conclusion
Identifying an unknown blue and green parrot takes some detective work, but strategies like noting size, shape, behavior, geographic origin, distinctive markings and vocalizations can help point towards the correct species. Even parrots with similar blue and green feather coloration can often be differentiated by subtle features. There are many possible candidates, from the giant blue-and-gold macaw to the tiny turquoise-hued budgie. With some careful observation and background reading to compare characteristics, the name and species can be determined. The key is looking beyond just the eye-catching blue and green plumage to unlock a parrot’s identity.