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GET TO KNOW SPIX'S MACAW
Cyanopsitta spixii
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TYPE
Spix's Macaw is a type of parrot.
GET TO KNOW SPIX'S MACAW
Cyanopsitta spixii
TYPE
Spix's Macaw is a type of parrot.
HOW TO SUPPORT
COLLECT STICKERS
Every campaign features a sticker that donates 100% of profits to conservation.
HOW TO SUPPORT
COLLECT STICKERS
Every campaign features a sticker that donates 100% of profits to conservation.
THE RAREST PARROT IN THE WORLD
Spix’s macaws—also known as the little blue macaw—once fluttered through the gallery forests of Brazil’s Rio São Francisco region. These striking blue parrots thrived in dry tropical areas with seasonal creeks and plenty of native caraibeira trees to nest in. Sadly, their wild populations have vanished, and today they exist mainly in captivity, with hopeful reintroduction efforts underway.
The Gallery Forest Connection
Spix’s macaws depended on a very specific type of forest: narrow, riverbank forests that stood out like green ribbons against Brazil’s semi-arid landscape. These unique habitats provided food, shelter, and nesting spots—but widespread logging, cattle ranching, and damming led to major habitat loss.
Where Are They Now?
-
Brazil: Reintroduction programs are releasing Spix’s macaws into protected areas in Bahia, near their original range.
-
Worldwide: Breeding populations in conservation centers across Europe and the Middle East are helping restore numbers and genetic diversity for future wild releases.
Where do Spix's Macaws live?
The dry forests Spix’s macaws once called home have largely vanished due to deforestation, cattle ranching, and river damming. These changes stripped away the native vegetation they relied on, especially the caraibeira trees crucial for nesting. With so few intact forests left, wild Spix’s macaws lost their safe havens—and their chances of survival in the wild plummeted.
Luckily, conservationists are now replanting trees, restoring habitat, and protecting the macaws’ former stomping grounds to help these brilliant birds soar again.
Main Threats:
-
Habitat destruction from logging, agriculture, and cattle grazing.
-
Hydroelectric damming, which disrupted seasonal water flow and forest growth.
-
Illegal wildlife trade—Spix’s macaws were once highly sought after in the pet trade.
-
Tiny population size, making them especially vulnerable to disease and genetic challenges.
-
Loss of nesting trees and food sources due to ecosystem degradation.
Why Are Their Habitats Disappearing?
Fun Facts!
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Blue All Over
Spix’s macaws are one of the only parrot species that are entirely blue—their feathers shine in vibrant sky-blue shades from head to tail.
-
Small but Mighty
They’re the smallest of all macaw species, but don’t let their size fool you—these birds are clever, curious, and full of personality.
-
Movie Star Status
The animated film Rio was inspired by the story of the Spix’s macaw, bringing international attention to their fight for survival.
-
Tree Specialists
Spix’s macaws nest almost exclusively in the caraibeira tree, making this specific tree species essential to their survival in the wild.
-
Back from the Brink
After more than 20 years without a confirmed wild sighting, Spix’s macaws began returning to their natural habitat in Brazil through reintroduction programs in 2022.
Caraibeira tree
Gallery forest in Brazil.
Photo Credit: Mongabay.com
THE RAREST PARROT IN THE WORLD
Where do Spix's Macaws live?
Spix’s macaws—also known as the little blue macaw—once fluttered through the gallery forests of Brazil’s Rio São Francisco region. These striking blue parrots thrived in dry tropical areas with seasonal creeks and plenty of native caraibeira trees to nest in. Sadly, their wild populations have vanished, and today they exist mainly in captivity, with hopeful reintroduction efforts underway.
The Gallery Forest Connection
Spix’s macaws depended on a very specific type of forest: narrow, riverbank forests that stood out like green ribbons against Brazil’s semi-arid landscape. These unique habitats provided food, shelter, and nesting spots—but widespread logging, cattle ranching, and damming led to major habitat loss.
Where Are They Now?
-
Brazil: Reintroduction programs are releasing Spix’s macaws into protected areas in Bahia, near their original range.
-
Worldwide: Breeding populations in conservation centers across Europe and the Middle East are helping restore numbers and genetic diversity for future wild releases.
Caraibeira tree
Gallery Forest in Brazil.
Photo Credit: Mongabay.com
The dry forests Spix’s macaws once called home have largely vanished due to deforestation, cattle ranching, and river damming. These changes stripped away the native vegetation they relied on, especially the caraibeira trees crucial for nesting. With so few intact forests left, wild Spix’s macaws lost their safe havens—and their chances of survival in the wild plummeted.
Luckily, conservationists are now replanting trees, restoring habitat, and protecting the macaws’ former stomping grounds to help these brilliant birds soar again.
Why Are Their Habitats Disappearing?
Main Threats:
-
Habitat destruction from logging, agriculture, and cattle grazing.
-
Hydroelectric damming, which disrupted seasonal water flow and forest growth.
-
Illegal wildlife trade—Spix’s macaws were once highly sought after in the pet trade.
-
Tiny population size, making them especially vulnerable to disease and genetic challenges.
-
Loss of nesting trees and food sources due to ecosystem degradation.
Fun Facts!
-
Blue All Over
Spix’s macaws are one of the only parrot species that are entirely blue—their feathers shine in vibrant sky-blue shades from head to tail.
-
Small but Mighty
They’re the smallest of all macaw species, but don’t let their size fool you—these birds are clever, curious, and full of personality.
-
Movie Star Status
The animated film Rio was inspired by the story of the Spix’s macaw, bringing international attention to their fight for survival.
-
Tree Specialists
Spix’s macaws nest almost exclusively in the caraibeira tree, making this specific tree species essential to their survival in the wild.
-
Back from the Brink
After more than 20 years without a confirmed wild sighting, Spix’s macaws began returning to their natural habitat in Brazil through reintroduction programs in 2022.
Research & Conservation Projects
Check out some of the great articles and incredible Conservation projects out there being done to help save the Spix's Macaw from extinction!
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
The World Parrot Trust (WPT) has played a significant role in the conservation of the Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), a species once declared extinct in the wild. In 1990, WPT funded a pivotal survey that located the last known wild Spix’s Macaw, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. In 2002, they facilitated the repatriation of a captive macaw named Presley from the U.S. to Brazil, aiming to support breeding programs. While Presley did not produce offspring, his return symbolized international commitment to the species' recovery.
Currently, WPT continues to support global parrot conservation through habitat protection, public education, and efforts to end the illegal trade of wild-caught parrots. Their ongoing commitment contributes significantly to the broader mission of restoring Spix’s Macaws to their natural habitat.
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
The World Parrot Trust (WPT) has played a significant role in the conservation of the Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), a species once declared extinct in the wild. In 1990, WPT funded a pivotal survey that located the last known wild Spix’s Macaw, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. In 2002, they facilitated the repatriation of a captive macaw named Presley from the U.S. to Brazil, aiming to support breeding programs. While Presley did not produce offspring, his return symbolized international commitment to the species' recovery.
Currently, WPT continues to support global parrot conservation through habitat protection, public education, and efforts to end the illegal trade of wild-caught parrots. Their ongoing commitment contributes significantly to the broader mission of restoring Spix’s Macaws to their natural habitat.
Our Spix’s Macaw design series is almost here! We’re putting the final feathers in place and can’t wait to share this vibrant tribute to one of the rarest parrots on Earth. Plus, a portion of every accessory sold during the campaign month will be donated to the World Parrot Trust to support Spix’s Macaw conservation efforts. Stay tuned—it's about to take flight!
FEATURED CAMPAIGN DESIGNS
Our Spix’s Macaw design series is almost here! We’re putting the final feathers in place and can’t wait to share this vibrant tribute to one of the rarest parrots on Earth. Plus, a portion of every accessory sold during the campaign month will be donated to the World Parrot Trust to support Spix’s Macaw conservation efforts. Stay tuned—it's about to take flight!
FEATURED DESIGNS
ART CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS
ART CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS
SAVE B4 EXTINCT PROGRAM + SPIX'S MACAW CONSERVATION
Collectible Conservation Sticker
Support animal conservation year-round with our exclusive collectible Conservation Stickers! Designed through our Save B4 Extinct program in collaboration with talented artists worldwide, each sticker features a donated illustration created to raise awareness for these endangered animals.
This sticker donates 100% of its profits directly to the World Parrot Trust to support conservation efforts for the critically endangered Spix's Macaw. Your purchase helps fund habitat restoration, breeding programs, and research dedicated to protecting this rare parrot. It’s our way of extending support beyond our monthly campaign, ensuring these parrots have a chance to thrive.
Collect, share, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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Join the movement and turn passion into protection!
Join the movement and turn creative passion into protection!
SAVE B4 EXTINCT PROGRAM + SPIX'S MACAW CONSERVATION
Collectible Conservation Sticker
Support animal conservation year-round with our exclusive collectible Conservation Stickers! Designed through our Save B4 Extinct program in collaboration with talented artists worldwide, each sticker features a donated illustration created to raise awareness for these endangered animals.
This sticker donates 100% of its profits directly to the World Parrot Trust to support conservation efforts for the critically endangered Spix's Macaw. Your purchase helps fund habitat restoration, breeding programs, and research dedicated to protecting this rare parrot. It’s our way of extending support beyond our monthly campaign, ensuring these parrots have a chance to thrive.
Collect, share, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Text