04-Feathers - Hyacinth Macaw Traditional Geocache

Macaws are among the largest of the world's birds. Their large strong beaks easily crack the nuts they favor as a dietary mainstay.

Parrots are considered as very intelligent birds. Limited tool use has been observed in both wild and captive hyacinth macaws. Reported sightings of tool use in wild parrots go as far back as 1863.

Examples of tool use that have been observed usually involve a chewed leaf or pieces of wood. Macaws often incorporate these items when feeding on harder nuts. Their use allows the nuts the macaws eat to remain in position (prevent slipping) while they gnaw into it. It is not known whether this is learned social behavior or an innate trait, but observation on captive macaws shows that hand-raised macaws exhibit this behavior, as well. Comparisons show that older macaws were able to open seeds more efficiently.

You are not likely to spot a macaw in the wild in South Jersey, but you might find one in one of the local zoos.

Please BYOP. Please don't take a smiley unless you have actually signed the log. An apology for not having a pen or pencil is not equivalent to signing the log. 
 

Have fun retrieving this cache.