In order to determine which parrot is the largest, you need to evaluate several criteria. If we take into account the body length of the bird and its weight, then the largest parrot is kakapo. And if you judge by the length from the beak to the tip of the tail, then a large hyacinth macaw wins. Both these species are extremely rare and are on the verge of extinction.
Kakapo
Kakapo (or owl parrot) belongs to the subfamily of owl parrots. This bird leads a nocturnal life. Inhabits kakapo in New Zealand. Of all the species of parrots, only Kakapo do not know how to fly.
The length of his body is about 60 cm, and the bird can weigh up to 4 kg. Plumage of kakapo is greenish-yellow with black stripes on the back. The muzzle of the parrot is covered with facial feathers, like that of owls.
An unusual feature of kakapo is a bright, pleasant aroma that the bird exudes. It is like the smell of flowers and honey.
The most delicious food of parrots is the tree seeds of Rome. This plant fills kakapo with reproductive power. These birds multiply only when the trees are actively fruiting. During the breeding season, males gather in one place and vie for the attention of the female. Very frequent fights between parrots at this time. The female parrot lays eggs every two years. Eggs in the clutch are usually two, but survive most often only one chick.
But these parrots are long-livers. Kakapo can live more than a hundred years. They are listed in the Red Book, as an endangered species.
Large hyacinth macaw
A large hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot in the world along its body length. Some representatives of this species can reach a length of up to 98 cm, but a significant part of this falls on the tail.
The parrot's feather is painted in beautiful blue. The beak is massive and strong, painted black.
A large hyacinth macaw is found in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. They keep forests, banks of rivers, palm groves.
Unlike kakapo, hyacinth macaw is active during the daytime. Daily, the ara fly a few kilometers to reach the fodder areas, and then return to the place of spending the night. They feed on water snails, fruits and berries. In the wild, a large hyacinth macaw creates a married couple, sometimes you can meet a family group of 6-12 parrots. Nest birds once or twice a year.
This species of parrots is on the verge of extinction due to hunting for them and numerous catching. Their natural habitat is destroyed by occupying pastures of domestic animals and planting exotic trees.