The hyacinth macaw is the longest among living parrot species, while the kākāpō is the heaviest. Both are remarkable birds, but they hold different size records. Comparing their length, weight and way of life explains why there is more than one answer to “What is the biggest parrot in the world?”
Greatest total length: The hyacinth macaw, about 35–39 inches (90–100 cm) from bill to tail tip. It is also the largest flying parrot.
Heaviest living parrot: The flightless kākāpō, with males reaching 8.8 pounds (4 kg).
How to compare them: Total length includes the tail. Body mass measures weight; neither figure is a wingspan or standing-height measurement.
Hyacinth Macaw: The Largest Flying Parrot
Characteristics
The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) has deep blue plumage, yellow skin around the eyes and lower bill, and a large, powerful beak. The World Parrot Trust gives a total length of 35–39 inches (90–100 cm) and a weight of 2.6–3.2 pounds (1.2–1.45 kg). Its long tail contributes substantially to that impressive length.
Habitat and Range
Its South American range includes the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil and neighboring Bolivia and Paraguay, parts of Amazonian Brazil, and the drier interior of eastern Brazil. The Instituto Arara Azul species account describes palm-rich woodland, forest edges and seasonally dry landscapes. Food trees and suitable nest sites are important throughout this range.
Diet, Breeding and Nesting
Hyacinth macaws use their strong beaks to open hard palm nuts. In the Pantanal, acuri and bocaiúva palms are especially important food sources. Their nesting habitat often includes hollows in manduvi trees (Sterculia apetala), whose importance is documented by Instituto Arara Azul’s research projects.
The World Parrot Trust’s conservation account lists breeding from July to December. Nest locations vary geographically: tree cavities are important in the Pantanal and lower Amazon, while some northeastern Brazilian birds use cliff cavities.
Conservation Status
The hyacinth macaw is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, as reported by the World Parrot Trust. Trapping for trade, hunting and the loss of habitat and nesting trees have affected the species. Projeto Arara Azul, established in 1990, monitors birds and nests, provides artificial nest sites and works to conserve the Pantanal habitats on which they depend.
Kākāpō: The Heaviest Parrot
Characteristics
The kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) is endemic to New Zealand. This bulky, moss-green parrot has an owl-like face and a much shorter tail than a large macaw. New Zealand Birds Online gives a length of 23–25 inches (58–64 cm), with males weighing 4.4–8.8 pounds (2–4 kg) and females 2.2–5.5 pounds (1–2.5 kg).
Unique Adaptations
Kākāpō are nocturnal and flightless, moving on the ground and climbing trees to feed. They are also the only parrots with a lek breeding system: males display and call to attract females, which then incubate the eggs and raise chicks without male care. Breeding depends on abundant food and does not happen every year.
They use energy sparingly. A 2006 study of 20 free-living kākāpō found unusually low daily energy expenditure relative to estimated basal metabolism. Longevity is another striking feature: DOC describes a possible lifespan of 60–90 years, although this is an estimate rather than a verified age for every bird.
Habitat and Diet
Once widespread in New Zealand, kākāpō now survive in carefully managed, predator-protected habitats. Their vegetarian diet includes leaves, buds, fruit, seeds, roots and other plant material. Conservation teams also provide supplementary food when needed.
Conservation Status and Population
Kākāpō remain Critically Endangered globally. New Zealand’s separate national threat classification is Nationally Critical. Introduced predators, disease, low genetic diversity and reproductive difficulties make continued conservation essential.
On September 1, 2026, the Department of Conservation announced an official population of 325, after adding 90 young birds from that year’s breeding season to the tally. That was a major increase from 51 when the modern recovery programme began in 1995, but it does not mean the species is secure. DOC and Ngāi Tahu continue to work on recovery and the need for more predator-free habitat.
Ten Large Parrots Compared
The two record-holders appear first, followed by eight other large parrots. This is a comparison, not a ranked top ten: length and mass give different results, published ranges overlap, and individual size varies with sex, age and condition.
On smaller screens, swipe or scroll sideways to see all table columns.
| Parrot | Total length | Body mass |
|---|---|---|
| Hyacinth macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus | 35–39 in (90–100 cm) | 2.6–3.2 lb (1.20–1.45 kg) |
| Kākāpō Strigops habroptilus | 23–25 in (58–64 cm) | Males: 4.4–8.8 lb (2–4 kg); females: 2.2–5.5 lb (1–2.5 kg) |
| Red-and-green macaw Ara chloropterus | 35 in (90 cm) | 2.3–2.9 lb (1.05–1.32 kg) |
| Blue-and-yellow macaw Ara ararauna | 34 in (86 cm) | 2.3–2.8 lb (1.04–1.29 kg) |
| Great green macaw Ara ambiguus | 30–33 in (77–85 cm) | 2.9 lb (1.30 kg) |
| Palm cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus | 20–25 in (51–64 cm) | 2.0–2.6 lb (0.91–1.20 kg) |
| Military macaw Ara militaris | 28–30 in (70–75 cm) | 2.0 lb (0.90 kg) |
| Blue-throated macaw Ara glaucogularis | 33 in (85 cm) | 1.7 lb (0.75 kg) |
| Scarlet macaw Ara macao | 33 in (85 cm) | 2.3–2.5 lb (1.06–1.12 kg) |
| Yellow-tailed black cockatoo Zanda funerea | 26 in (67 cm) | 1.7–2.0 lb (0.75–0.90 kg) |
Lengths include the tail. Values are approximate species references, not measured records or strict limits. Kākāpō figures follow New Zealand Birds Online; the other rows follow the linked World Parrot Trust accounts. Pounds and inches are rounded conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hyacinth macaw bigger than the kākāpō?
It is longer, largely because of its long tail. The kākāpō is heavier. Specify length or body mass when comparing them.
Can the heaviest parrot fly?
No. The kākāpō is the only living flightless parrot. It walks and climbs, while the hyacinth macaw is capable of flight.
How many kākāpō are left?
DOC announced 325 on September 1, 2026. This is a dated official count; population totals can change as birds hatch, reach the counting threshold or die.
Are macaws and cockatoos parrots?
Yes. Macaws, cockatoos and kākāpō all belong to the parrot order, Psittaciformes, although they belong to different branches of that group.
What was the biggest parrot ever?
The extinct New Zealand parrot Heracles inexpectatus is estimated to have weighed about 15 pounds (7 kg), according to the Australian Research Council’s research summary. That is a fossil-based estimate, separate from the records held by living parrots.
What Did We Learn Today?
The hyacinth macaw leads living parrots in length, while the flightless kākāpō leads in body mass. Their different shapes, habitats and breeding systems show how varied parrots can be. Both also show why protecting food sources, nesting habitat and wild populations matters.
For a wider comparison, explore the biggest birds in the world, living and extinct.
Sources & Data Notes
Checked November 9, 2026. Size figures are published reference measurements, not a new survey. Total length, body mass, standing height and wingspan describe different things. The kākāpō population figure is dated September 1, 2026; the review date is not a new population census or Red List assessment.
- World Parrot Trust, hyacinth macaw, and the individual species accounts linked in the table: measurements, names and natural history. Its hyacinth macaw conservation account describes threats and the Vulnerable global status.
- Instituto Arara Azul, species profile: geographical range and palm diet. Its adult and peak chick weights have different contexts, so the comparison table consistently uses the World Parrot Trust’s hyacinth macaw reference range.
- Instituto Arara Azul, project history and activities, and partnership research: conservation work and manduvi nesting habitat.
- New Zealand Birds Online, kākāpō account: dimensions, sex-specific weights, diet and breeding. This article follows its scientific-name spelling, Strigops habroptilus; World Parrot Trust uses Strigops habroptila for the same species and reports its global Critically Endangered status.
- New Zealand Department of Conservation, kākāpō overview: heaviest-parrot distinction, flightlessness, potential longevity and the national threat category.
- DOC, September 1, 2026 population announcement: the 325-bird count and recovery context. Older population totals in general species profiles are not treated as current.
- Bryant (2006), Notornis 53(1), 126–137: research on energy expenditure in free-living kākāpō.
- Australian Research Council, Heracles research summary: the extinct parrot’s estimated mass. Fossil estimates are not directly comparable to an individual living bird placed on a scale.
