🎙️ In this episode of Bird Brain, we soar into the vibrant and endangered world of the Spix’s Macaw—the striking blue parrot made famous by Blu in the animated film Rio.

Joining me is Scarlett Hilton—BTO Young Leader, nature poet, and passionate advocate for equitable access to nature.

We discuss:
🦜 Rio and the real-life story behind Blu
🌵 The caatinga biome – What makes this dry forest ecosystem so vital for macaws
⚖️ Poaching and pet ownership – From international trafficking to Minnesota’s bizarre exotic pet laws
🎧 Bioacoustic monitoring – How sound is helping track and protect endangered birds
📚 The Falcon Thief – A gripping read on wildlife crime, recommended by Scarlett

Scarlett also shares her thoughts on the role of storytelling, poetry, and youth engagement in bird conservation.

Check out these links:
🔗 The Falcon Thief by Joshua Hammer – Waterstones
🔗 Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP)
🔗 Chico Mendes Institute, Brazil
🔗 Can you own any exotic animals in Minnesota? – The Environmental Literacy Council