One thing that has continued to amaze us on this journey is the diversity of bird life we see in this forest. Some days I forget that the flocks of birds flying overhead are actually flocks of parrots, parakeets, or macaws. I will miss the striking colors of the birds when I return to the United States.

About one-third of the world's total bird species (approximately 3,000 species) are found in South America. Compare this to approximately 800 species known from North America (north of Mexico) and you begin to realize why South America is sometimes referred to as "the Bird Continent."

More than half, about 1,700 species, of birds known in South America have been recorded in Peru! One reason for this large number is the fact that Peru has such a wide range of habitats. Of all the habitat zones in Peru, none is more productive than the lowland jungle.

One species that deserves special attention is the Blue and Gold Macaw. This bird has been a common sighting nearly every day of this journey. In some sections of the park, we would count up to 30 of these birds flying around together, all making very loud calls! More often, we would see these birds in couples (they are supposed to mate for life) or in groups of three (a couple and a young one).

These birds are approximately the size of a raven but with a longer tail. They have a curved beak and have no feathers on their face. They have striking blue feathers on their head, back and tail while their chest and underwings are a brilliant gold.

These birds have been known to live up to 60 years in captivity and scientists estimate they can live up to 30 years in the wild!

They nest in dead palm trees after the palm weevil has made a cavity. They generally nest during the breeding season, which is between October and March.

In general these birds eat seeds, which is why they have such strong, rounded beaks. They are also very "handy" with their beaks, tongues, and claws, easily holding and working their way through different foods.

Ruben has also heard that this species has the intelligence of a normal two-year-old human!

These birds used to bring a lot of money on the black market: up to $2,000 per bird. It now seems that there is less of a demand for the wild ones because people have started breeding them for sale, rather than collecting them from the rainforest.

It has been great to see such a cool and unique bird that has a population as strong as the Blue and Gold Macaw. Hopefully many of the other animals in the rainforest will have a similar future.

See you at the next Animals of the Amazon update!

(Some info from "Amazon: Jungles of Peru." International Expeditions, Inc.)