Macaws lighten things up in Venezuela's capital, and form a special bond with residents
Blue and gold macaws, a species non-native to the city, have developed a relationship with the residents of Caracas, Venezuela. However, the birds’ future is uncertain as their habitats are becoming increasingly endangered.
The World
March 18, 2024 · 2:30 PM EDT
By Manuel Rueda
Russian tourists take photos of the macaws that visit the Ololo Hotel each morning, where the owners provide them with seeds and fruits.
Manuel Rueda/The World
As sunset approached, a colorful feast was underway at Hugo Losada’s home. Twenty blue and gold macaws flew into his garden to feed on sunflower seeds and fruits.
One of the parrots perched on Losada’s head like a big hat and fed on a banana that he held in his hand.
“These birds just fill me up with joy,” said Losada, who has been feeding macaws for the past two years. “You can even go on vacation, and they’ll sort out how to get their own food.”
A group of blue and gold macaws flies around Caracas, Venezuela in search of food. The birds were initially brought to the city as pets, but now hundreds of them roam around the city freely.
Credit:
Manuel Rueda/The World
Every day, hundreds of macaws fly around Venezuela’s capital city in search of food, dazzling residents with their bright colors and peculiar calls.
The birds are not native to Caracas. And they were brought to the city under dubious circumstances. But now, they roam the city freely and have formed a special relationship with its people.
Hugo Losada feeds a group of blue and gold macaws that visit his garden every afternoon. The doctor says the birds bring him joy and relaxation.
Credit:
Manuel Rueda/The World
“The macaws distract me and pull me away from negative thoughts,” said Lucy Cortez, a graphic designer who works from home.
Every day, she feeds a group of blue and gold macaws that fly up to her apartment and perch on a small ledge where she also has some plants.
“It’s very special,” Cortez said. “I don’t know if there’s any other place in the world where you can interact with macaws from your window.”
a woman feeding birds from her apartment window
Lucy Cortez feeds macaws that fly up to her apartment in Caracas. She says the macaws provide her with a welcome break from her job as a graphic designer.
Credit:
Manuel Rueda/The World
More:
https://theworld.org/stories/2024-03-18/macaws-lighten-things-venezuela-s-capital-and-form-special-bond-residents
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