Nido Adoptivo™ NEST BOX PROJECT:
From fewer than 100 birds to a growing wild population, nest boxes are helping bring the Blue-throated Macaw back from the brink.
Since its launch in 2006, the Nido Adoptivo™ supplemental nest box program at the Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Reserve in Bolivia has played a vital role in the recovery of this critically endangered species. To date, 164 Blue-throated Macaw chicks have successfully fledged from these nest boxes, helping grow the wild population from fewer than 100 birds two decades ago to an estimated 600–700 today—a remarkable conservation success story made possible by supporters like you.
Even more encouraging, the number of second-generation chicks has steadily increased since 2017. Macaws that once fledged from our nest boxes—easily identified by their leg bands—are now returning to raise their own young. This powerful milestone signals the promise of continued population growth and long-term recovery.
Sponsorships are available for the 2028 breeding season!
Thanks to our generous donors, the 2027 breeding season is fully funded.
With a $300 donation, you can sponsor a nest box for an entire year, directly supporting:
- Nest box construction
- Fieldwork to identify optimal nesting sites
- Ongoing monitoring throughout the breeding season
100% of your sponsorship is sent to our partner in Bolivia, Armonía, ensuring your contribution has a direct impact. You may personalize your nest box with two initials, plus your name (along with optional tributes “in honor of” or “in memory of”) will be listed on our Supporters page for each breeding season.
"Discover Blue-throats" Education Project, Laney Rickman Reserve
Future population growth of the Blue-throated Macaw depends on local communities becoming stewards and raising awareness about the conservation needs of this critically endangered bird. Once on the brink of extinction, the Blue-throated Macaw, native to Bolivia's Beni region, is now an inspiring conservation success. Over the past two decades, the wild population has increased from fewer than 100 birds to approximately 600-700 today, thanks in part to the positive outcomes of the Nido Adoptivo nest box project at the Laney Rickman Reserve.
Despite this progress, many residents of the Beni region in northeastern Bolivia still have not seen this iconic bird. They are unaware of its habitat or the actions needed to protect it. The “Discover Blue-throats” program aims to change that. Armonía’s unique educational initiative provides schoolchildren with the opportunity to visit the Education Center at the reserve’s new Field Station. There, they will learn about the Blue-throated Macaw and have the rare chance to observe it in its natural environment from a hidden, concealed viewing area.
Our goal is to create a lasting impact and inspire the next generation to care about conservation. By the end of their visit, students will understand the Blue-throated Macaw's significance to their region—how it lives, what it eats, and where it nests. Most importantly, they will feel empowered, knowing that the future of this species depends on their efforts to protect it.
Blue-throated Macaw Habitat Restoration Project, Laney Rickman Reserve
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The Blue-throated Macaw Habitat Restoration Project at the Laney Rickman Reserve in the Beni Savanna, Bolivia is a crucial initiative for the conservation of this critically endangered species and its habitat. Now that Armonía owns this important piece of land, we are taking action to restore the habitat. Your contribution plays a vital role in helping to restore the habitat to its natural state, ensuring the Blue-throated Macaw's long-term survival and promoting biodiversity in the region. Restoring the savanna/forest island ecosystem in the reserve is essential for providing suitable nesting areas and resources for the Blue-throated Macaw and other threatened wildlife to thrive.
Work on this critical project commenced in late 2022 with surveys to document the current diversity, structure, and composition of the remnant forest, an important first step in understanding the ecosystem and determining what needs to be done to restore the habitat. The next immediate step is the Greenhouse Project to research and understand what specific types of plants need to be restored. The primary food source for the Blue-throated Macaw is the fruit of the motacú palm tree Attalea phalerata. In addition, these birds also enjoy fruits from various other trees.
"Friends of Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Reserve"
With the establishment of the Laney Rickman Reserve in 2018, the most important breeding site for the southern subpopulation of the Blue-throated Macaw is now protected forever. But conservation goals are not met by buying land alone, as emblematic species can suffer from threats such as poaching, uncontrolled fires, and invasive cattle, which negatively affect their habitat. Your support will go directly to protecting this species and its crucial habitat by restoring this endangered ecosystem through the nest box program, fire prevention, park guard patrols, and habitat restoration.
General "Saving the Blues" Donations
General contributions that support Bird Endowment and Armonía's efforts in "Saving the Blues" at the Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Reserve in Bolivia play a vital role in conserving this critically endangered species.
Every contribution, regardless of the amount, makes a difference in the conservation of this iconic bird species. It's heartening to see collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity and preserve the natural heritage of the Beni Savanna in Bolivia. These contributions help fund a range of activities, including habitat restoration, nest box provisioning, monitoring and research, community engagement, and education programs. By supporting these efforts, individuals and organizations contribute directly to the protection and recovery of the wild Blue-throated Macaw population and its habitat.
"Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Fund"
In 2017, to honor Laney Rickman’s legacy and continue her dedicated efforts to save this critically endangered species from extinction, the Bird Endowment, Asociación Armonía, American Bird Conservancy, and Laney's family partnered to establish the “Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Fund”. This Fund is managed by American Bird Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) organization with all disbursements sent directly to Asociación Armonía in Bolivia. Over $260,000 has been raised to date.
Thanks to your support, the
Blue-throated Macaw is flying toward a brighter future!
