Brilliance in Blue

An intensely brilliant cobalt blue-colored parrot, the hyacinth macaw is the largest of the macaws and the largest flying bird of the parrot family. It is native to three regions in South America including Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. This particular image was taken deep in the Pantanal region of Brazil.

Unfortunately, like many other animals, the hyacinth population is severely suffering due to exploitation and habitat loss. In Central and South America, about one-third of all parrots and most macaws are either threatened or endangered. Several organizations are involved in conservation efforts for exotic birds and restrictions on trade are in place, though the market still operates both legally and illegally in many countries.