PALMAS, BRAZIL — A blue-and-yellow macaw has captured attention online after being filmed taking off in a majestic flight to drive away a drone that was recording it while it perched in a palm tree alongside another bird of the same species. The footage was recorded at Graciosa Beach in the city of Palmas, in Brazil's Tocantins state.

The blue-and-yellow macaw is one of the Cerrado biome's most iconic birds, recognized for its vibrant plumage, lifelong pair bonds and frequent presence in urban areas. The video was shared on social media on Saturday (July 25) by influencer and entrepreneur Francisco Garcia.

Garcia said he kept the drone about two meters (6.5 feet) from the birds and relied on the camera's zoom to capture the footage. Even so, one of the macaws noticed the aircraft and reacted to its presence.

Biologist Wanieulli Pascoal said parrots and related species, including macaws, parrots and parakeets, commonly display this type of defensive behavior toward drones. According to the expert, the birds interpret the aircraft as a potential predator and attempt to drive it away.

The reaction may also have been influenced by the presence of a nearby palm trunk that the pair was likely using as a nighttime roost. Pascoal added that although the species can be tolerant of humans, people should always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing wild animals.

Amazon Agency