Nido Adoptivo™ NEST BOX on the Laney Rickman Reserve
Since its inception in 2007, the Nido Adoptivo supplemental nest box program at the Laney Rickman Reserve has played a vital role in the recovery of the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw. To date, 145 chicks have successfully fledged from these nest boxes, a testament to the program’s impact on this rare species’ survival.
Sponsorships are now open for the 2026 breeding season!
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, Armonía, in Bolivia, ensuring your contribution makes 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.
With an estimated 420–480 Blue-throated Macaws remaining in the wild, these 145 fledged chicks represent over 25% of the total population—a remarkable conservation achievement. Even more encouraging, since 2017, the number of second-generation chicks has steadily increased. Macaws that once fledged from our nest boxes—easily identified by their leg bands—are now returning to raise their own young, a powerful sign of future population growth.Help continue this incredible success story... Sponsor a nest box today!
"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, now stands as an inspiring conservation success. Over the past two decades, the wild population has grown from just 100-150 birds to an estimated 600-700 today, thanks in part to the positive results of the Nido Adoptivo nest box project at the Laney Rickman Reserve.
Despite this success, many residents of the Beni region in northeastern Bolivia have yet to see this iconic bird. They are unaware of its habitat and the necessary measures for its protection. The “Discover Blue-throats” program is set to change this. Armonía’s unique educational initiative offers schoolchildren the chance to visit the Education Center at the reserve’s new Field Station. Here, they will gain insights into the Blue-throated Macaw and enjoy the rare opportunity to observe it in its natural habitat from a secluded, concealed viewing area.
We aim to create a lasting impact and ignite the next generation's passion for conservation. By the end of their visit, students will understand the Blue-throated Macaw's importance 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 just buying land as the emblematic species can suffer from threats like poaching, uncontrolled fires, and invading cattle negatively affecting 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" on the Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Reserve in Bolivia play a vital role in the conservation of 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 aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and preserving 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 saving 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!
