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RED AND BLUE MACCAW. 
Psittacus Macao. 
Ara du Brasil. 
L’Ara Rouge. 
Red and Blue Maccaw. 
Lin. Syst. i. p * 13 9. No. r. 
Bris. Om. iv. p. 18 4*. 
Buff. Ois. yi. p. 17 9. 
Edw. iv. 15 8. 
Lath. Syn.i. p. 199. No. 1. 
The characters which distinguish the Maccaws from other parrots, are 
their size, which, when in perfect feather, measures full three feet from bill 
to tail: the length of their tail, which is much longer than in the case of 
others, even in proportion to the body; and the cheeks, which are bare of 
feathers, being only covered with a naked membranous skin, of a whitish 
colour. 
They inhabit Brazil, Guiana, and the warm climates of South America, 
and are not to be found on the old Continent* They were formerly com* 
mon at St. Domingo, but in consequence of the natives having extended 
their plantations nearer to the mountains, they are now rarely to be met 
with. 
They live in the woods, and prefer such as*cover swampy grounds, where 
the palm-tree abounds, on which they feed : they sometimes assemble in 
flocks, but are generally found in pairs ; and of all the Parrot tribe they 
fly the best, being known to go the distance of a league in search of ripe 
fruit, but always returning in the evening to their accustomed spot. 
They make their nest in the holes of old decayed trees, enlarging the 
apeituie with their bills, if too narrow; and they line the inside with 
feathers. 
They have two broods annually, laying two eggs, spotted like those of 
le Partridge, and of the size of Pigeons eggs : they sit alternately; never 
eke theii young, as long as their assistance is necessary; and always 
perch together, near the nest. 
Cau °ht y° un g> ^ey are easily tamed, soon become familiar, and 
iscover great attachment to their owners; but the old birds are stubborn 
and mischievous. 
