The average lifespan of a Spix Macaw parrot is 30 years; being associated with Neotropical parrots, they can have a long lifespan in captivity.
Spix Macaws are already familiar to you, thanks to the movie Rio. Its story is based on the true story of Elvis, a Spix’s Macaw. A unique story centered around Spix Macaws made the movie a massive success of its time.
Being associated with Neotropical parrots, Arini (tribe), and Psittidae species, they can have a long lifespan in captivity. These species usually have an average lifespan of 30+ years. But long lifespans have not helped them remain populated in the world. However, they are super low in numbers because of human influence.
However, they come at a high price, making them impossible for an average person to buy.
But even if you have one, you must reach the correct section to know more about Spix’s Macaws’ worldwide population, average lifespan, and how you can increase the life expectancy of Spix Macaw Parrot.
How long do Spix macaws live in captivity?
Spix macaws live more than 40+ years in captivity. This species is scientifically known as Cyanopsitta Spixii and has a linkage to the family Psittacidae. Their direct relation to the Macaw gives them a longer lifespan than other birds. However, due to their declining population, most of the remaining Spix Macaws are now undergoing captive breeding to preserve this species.
What is The Average Lifespan of a Spix Macaw Parrot Compared To Other Parrots?
The Spix’s Macaw species, scientifically known as Cyanopsitta Spixii, is a part of the family Psittacidae and a member of Neotropical parrots. People also call them the little blue Macaw for their blue feathers.
This species is directly related to the Macaw species, which makes them have an average lifespan of 30 years. However, when held captive, they get an extra boost in their lifespan and can live longer than 40 years.
Here is a chart showing the average lifespan of Spix’s Macaw parrots compared to other parrots:
| Other parrots | Average Lifespan |
| Pionus Parrots | 25+ years |
| Senegal Parrots | 50 years / 25 years in the wild. |
| Eclectus Parrots | 50+ years. |
| African Gray Parrots | 60+ years. |
| Amazon Parrots | Up to 75 years. |
| lear’s macaw | 40+ years. |
| Glaucous Macaws | Up to 80 years. |
| Green-winged Macaw | 70+ years. |
| Hyacinth macaw | 50 years. |
| Scarlet macaw | between 40 and 50 years. |
| Red macaw | 40 to 50 years. |
| Blue macaw / Spix’s Macaw | 50 years. |
| Military macaws | 50–60 years. |
| Severe Macaw | between 25 up to 80 years. |
| Hahn’s Macaw | over 30 years old. |
| Golden-collared macaw | Up to 50 years. |
| Illiger’s or Blue-winged Macaw | around 50-60 years. |
Do Spix Macaws live longer in captivity?
The simple answer is yes! Spix Macaws in captivity live longer than those in the wild. Being directly related to the macaw species, they are known for their average lifespan.
The adult Spix macaw lives for at least 20 years, whereas a healthy one usually lives over 25+ years. Meanwhile, the Blue-and-yellow Macaw, also from the Neotropical parrot’s group, lives for 30 – 35 years. But they can live up to 50+ years in zoo captivity.
How to increase the life expectancy of Spix Macaw Parrot?
Although the average lifespan of a Spix Macaw parrot is 30 years, you can extend its lifespan with proper care. Unlike other parrots, Spix Macaw bears a dynamic behavior, which makes them likable for petting.
However, they have a common disease Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), which reduces their lifespan. But if you want to extend the average lifespan of your Spix Macaw, follow these instructions:
Large Cage
Spix Macaw is exceptionally playful and lively. They often require flying freely to stay healthy. Otherwise, it becomes sluggish and mentally distressed. If you own a Spix Macaw, give your bird a large cage with lots of free room.
Ensure your Macaw has the necessary materials in the cage for playing and enjoying its time.
Bath
Spix’s Macaws are heavily fond of bathing. They require a small bath often a week. Give your Macaw clean and warm water in small containers.
Environment
Unfortunately, Spix’s macaws cannot tolerate cold environments below 20 degrees Celsius. It would be best to give your Macaw a clean and warm atmosphere.
Diet Maintaining
Like most other parrots, they feed on seeds and nut mixture. However, they also like to dine apples, bananas, plums, cucumbers, carrots, and a few other vegetables to the menu. A proper healthy diet keeps them healthy and amplifies immunity.
Mating Environment
Unlike other birds, Spix’s Macaw requires additional care during mating season. They need free space and more food and vegetables to mate in a healthy environment. It also helps them to lay more eggs compared to wild Spix macaws.
Spix Macaw Total Captive Number?
Today, roughly around 177 Spix’s macaws are in captivity to increase their population in the world. The Macaw species are considerably declining from the earth.
Unfortunately, Spic macaws are also a part of this extinction. Due to fewer habitat places left in the wild, they are on the brink of extinction.
Continuous Illegal trafficking and human influences have put this species in danger. It is why there are about 177 Spix’s macaws in captivity, with only 4,300 macaws left in the world.
Conclusion
You’ll barely see a Spix’s Macaw in the wild; It’s been 20 years since we saw them flying in the wild. However, we will soon see them back in the wild since ACTP, the Pairi Daiza Foundation, and Brazil’s government have taken safety measures to bring them back from the verge of extinction. It brings us to a simple conclusion of Spix Macaw Lifespan in Captivity.
FAQ
Do Blue Spix Macaws Mate for Life?
Yes! About 90% of birds are monogamous, meaning they will mate during the breeding season, form a bond with a single mate for life, and stay together until one dies.
Do Spix Macaws lay Eggs?
Yes! Spix macaws live in the wild and lay three eggs, whereas, in captivity, Spix macaws can lay anywhere from one to seven eggs.
Why are Spix Macaws Declining in Numbers?
The history of Spix macaws could have been better with its population. However, deforestation and human influence in habitat places make them extinct from the wild. Moreover, illegal trafficking is also forcing them to become extinct worldwide.
Why Do Spix Macaws Cost So Much?
The average price of a Spix macaw is as much as $200,000 or more. There are only 4,300 of them left in the world, making it a rare species. However, selling or buying this species is illegal; you can be imprisoned for years if found.
Hi, I’m Regina Rios. Just another bird lover who loves to share knowledge from personal experience. I’ve grown up with pet birds since childhood as my mommy also loves birds. As I can’t pet many birds in open air in my house as my mom does; I created my first bird cage on my rooftop using wood, copper wire, and a metal shed in 2018 and start collecting pet birds. Now, I have so many pet birds such as Macaws, Parrot, Cockatiel, Parakeet, and others. Not only that, if I see natural birds are injured I keep them in my house until they get well. Now, my hobby becomes my income source as my home birds have babies and I sell them to birds lover like mine. I’ve created this blog to inspire others bird owners by sharing my personal knowledge. Good Luck!
