Reproductive biology of the Blue-winged Macaw (Primolius maracana) in the region of Curaçá, Bahia, Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the breeding characteristics of Blue-winged Macaw (Primolius maracana) in the region of Curaçá, Bahia. The nests were made in cavities of caraibeira (Tabebuia aurea, 90%) and mulungu (Erythrina velutina, 10%), along temporary streams. The trees presented the average of height 24.4 ± 4.7 m, nest height 8.2 ± 2.4 m, diameter of breast heigh 89.2 ± 22.1 m, nest entrance on average of 13.1 x 9.7 cm and depth of 53.1 ± 25.9 m. Only one couple were observed nesting in each tree. We recorded competition and predation, especially during the incubation period. The oviposition began in mid-November and the peak of egg laying was in December (57.9%). Egg hatching began in December and the majority (44.44%) was made in January. There were cases of egg laying isolated in March, with hatching failure. The chicks fledged mainly in mid-February and March. From 25 clutches monitored, 15 were accessed by vertical ascending techniques, containing 48 eggs, ranging from one to six eggs per clutches, the majority (40%) of three eggs. Nine nests had 22 chicks. They fledged around 50 days-old and remain returning to the cavity at various times of the day, for more than 90 days after fledge. The females’ fecundity rate was 3.2 eggs produced per female, the productivity rate was one chick per nest and the breeding rate was 1.9 chicks per breeding pair.