To determine the largest parrot in the world, it is worth using several criteria. Judging by the length of the bird from the tip of the tail to the beak, then the hyacinth macaw will be considered the largest parrot, and if we take into account the weight and length of the bird's body, then the kakapo will certainly win. Both of these parrot species are extremely rare and on the brink of extinction.
Large hyacinth macaw
When you take into account the length of the body from the tip of the tail to the tip of the beak, the large hyacinth macaw is considered the largest parrot on the planet. Some of the representatives of this species of birds can reach lengths of up to one meter. But a significant portion of their length comes from their huge tail. The plumage of the hyacinth macaw is painted in a bright blue, cobalt color. The beak of this bird is strong and massive, has a black color. The hyacinth macaw lives in Paraguay, Brazil and Peru. It keeps to the banks of rivers, thickets of tropical forests and palm groves.
This parrot is active during daylight hours. In search of foraging territories, the macaw can fly several kilometers, and then return back to the place of its overnight stay. The hyacinth macaw feeds on berries, snails and tree fruits. In the wild, this parrot creates a married couple, sometimes the number of individuals in a family reaches 6-12 parrots. Macaw nests several times a year.
This species of parrots is almost on the verge of extinction, since recently they were hunted and caught for sale in large quantities. Also, their natural habitat is rapidly destroyed, huge areas of the jungle are cut off, groves are occupied for pastures of domestic animals, or exotic plants and trees are planted on the nesting site of these parrots.
Kakapo
The kakapo, or owl parrot, belongs to the family of owl parrots. This bird is active only in the dark. Lives in New Zealand. Of all the parrot species, only the kakapo is unable to fly. The body length of a kakapo is about 60 centimeters, and the weight of a bird can reach 4 kilograms. The plumage of this parrot has a greenish-yellow hue, with black stripes on the back. The kakapo's muzzle is covered with facial plumage, just like owls.
An interesting feature of kakapo is the pleasant and bright smell that the bird emits. It is similar to the smell of honey and flowers. The most favorite food of these parrots is the fruits and seeds of the Rimu tree. This plant allows the bird to fill with reproductive forces. Reproduction of kakapo takes place only during periods of active flowering and fruiting of Rimu trees. During the mating season, male parrots gather in one place and begin to vie for the right to mate with the female. At this time, fights between males of kakapo are not uncommon. The female lays eggs only once every two years. Kakapo is considered a long-liver, this parrot can live over a hundred years. They are listed in the World Red Book as a species that is disappearing.
