The world's largest flying parrot: Hyacinth Macaw It is the largest parrot in the world and easily one of the most impressive, possessing the ability to problem solve and an intelligence level comparable to that of a human toddler!

Unfortunately, the hyacinth macaw is vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and over-collection for the pet trade. In the 1980s, it is estimated that at least 10,000 birds were taken from the wild. Though international trade is now prohibited, habitat loss due to cattle ranching, mechanized agriculture and the development of hydroelectric schemes continues to create shortages of nesting sites and destroy the native palms macaws need for food. Only about 2,000-6,500 hyacinth macaws remain in the wild today.