Macaw Grows New Tail Feathers! How Parrot Tail Forms

Rachel my Blue and Gold Macaw is growing some new tail feathers! Learn how the tail feathers grow out on a parrot.

Macaws have beautiful long tails. But, the feathers can get worn out or damaged over time. For this reason, they periodically molt the feathers and grow new feathers to replace them.

New tail feathers emerge as a pin feather. They grow and are protected by a round cover which makes them look like a pin. Initially a blood supply runs through the feather to support its growth. As the feather gets longer, the blood supply recedes and the pin flakes off revealing a healthy new feather.

Macaw tail feathers can take several weeks to grow out. They molt and grow fairly symmetrically with the same feather on the opposite side. Macaws use their beak to open pin feathers on their tail, wings, and body by themselves. However, it may be difficult for them to reach the really long feathers on their tail. They can either bend it around to reach or enjoy the help of a mate.

Blue and Gold Macaw tail pin feathers growing video. Ara ararauna tail feather development. It's amazing to see the feather growth in any parrot but especially on a macaw because they have such long and beautiful tails.

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