On August 16 and 17, 2025, the Hyacinth Macaw Institute invites everyone in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay to take part in a major citizen science mobilization: the first Big Day of the Hyacinth Macaws.
This is an action inspired by the global birdwatching event known as Big Day, in which observers from all over the world go into the field to record as many bird species as possible. Motivated by this movement, the Institute is launching a special edition focused on the symbol species of Brazilian biodiversity: the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).
📌 What is the Hyacinth Macaws’s Big Day?
The Hyacinth Macaw Big Day is an open participation event where anyone can collaborate with the conservation of the species. The mission is simple: observe, record and send information about sightings of hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) in the wild on August 16 and 17.
The information collected will contribute to an important database, which will be used for population mapping, monitoring areas of occurrence and supporting environmental conservation projects.
👀 Who can participate?
Everyone can take part!
You don’t need to be a biologist, scientist, ornithologist or professional in the field.
If you have the eyes to observe, you already have everything you need.
All you have to do is pay attention to nature, look at the sky, listen to the sounds around you and record the blue macaws you spot during the event.
How to take part in the Macaws’ Big Day?
During August 16 and 17, follow these steps:
Observe: be on the lookout in natural environments, urban or rural areas where macaws often appear.
Record: write down the location, date, time, number of individuals sighted and, if possible, take a photo or record a video.
Send your comments via one of the official Instituto Arara Azul channels:
✅ Methods of submission:
- Instituto Arara Azul’s official form (Google Forms)
Access the link here:
https://forms.gle/J2EEJFAvnBtLTZkn9
- Ebird:
Download here:
https://ebird.org/about/ebird-mobile
- Wikiaves:
- Biofaces:
Biofaces – Biofaces – Bring Nature Closer
- Instituto Arara Azul’s WhatsApp for direct and easy sending
+55 067 9987-10752 or if you prefer, click on the link and access our contact directly: http://wa.me/5567998710752
All the data received will be organized and analyzed by the Instituto Arara Azul’s technical team, with the support of partner biologists and scientists.
Why is this action important?
The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is one of the most symbolic species of Brazilian fauna, and although protected by laws and conservation projects, it still faces serious threats, such as:
Destruction of natural habitat
Climate change
Illegal trade in wild birds
By encouraging citizen science, the Institute seeks to expand data collection in a participatory way, involving society as an ally of conservation.
📅 Save the date!
🦜 Hyacinth Macaw’s Big Day
📆 Days: August 16 and 17, 2025
📍 Anywhere in its area of occurrence (Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay) – from the countryside to the cities
🧭 Participation is free and open to all
🔁 Share, participate and help science fly further.
Nature needs attentive eyes, engaged hearts and hands willing to contribute.
The future of the hyacinth macaws also depends on you.
We’re counting on you to be part of this journey!
Instituto Arara Azul
🌐 www.institutoararaazul.org.br
📲 Instagram: @institutoararaazuloficial
Source: Instituto Arara Azul archives.
Text by: Eliza Mense
Biologist, post-graduate in environmental education and business management, with 36 years’ experience in managing social and environmental projects. Since 2014, she has been a member of the Executive Board of the Hyacinth Macaw Institute, developing management and financial sustainability actions for the execution of research and conservation projects.
