Scientist have identified two possible theories as to why Macaws eat clay:
1. To neutralize the toxins they ingest by eating rainforest fruits, nuts, flowers and leaves.
2. To get minerals such as sodium, which they may need in their diet.
Guidelines for visiting a claylick along the Tambopata river:
- Claylicks can be viewed by boat along the river, or the opposite river bank.
- Get up early so that you can arrive at the claylick early in the morning when the Macaws are most active. Its best to arrive right before sunrise and find a viewing spot or shelter hidden by trees so as not to scare the Macaws.
- Wear neutral colors and try to blend in. Bright colors can also scare the birds away.
- Try to be as quiet and still as possible to allow the birds to behave as they would without an “audience.”
- Bring binoculars! You will be able to better appreciate these birds miraculous colors.
- Bring a birding guide from Tambopata, who can help you to identify each species.
● Tambopata Research Center: Home to the famous Macaw Research Project. This comfortable lodge takes 8 hours to get to by boat from Puerto Maldonado so it best if you have at least 4 nights to stay. Spend the first and last night at Rainforest Expeditions closer lodge Refugio Amazonas and the nights inbetween at the research center.
● Refugio Amazonas : As a charming 32 bedroom lodge, it is well placed immediately adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve. A comprehensive program includes a morning visit to the claylick, complete with guide.
Check out Tambopata Birdwatching Tours for more info.