Berlin - A German has succeeded in breeding a rare macaw that is believed to be extinct in the wild. Frieda is the name of the female Spix's Macaw that was born nearly a month ago in Schoeneiche near Berlin.
It is the only offspring of the threatened species bred this year, a spokesman for a German preservation society for the bird said Friday.
The society is taking part in an international breeding programme for the Spix's Macaw, a member of the parrot family.
Breeders flew in a Spix's Macaw from Brazil to mate with Frieda's mother. Frieda was said to be doing well, although it would be a while before she grew the blue feathers typical for the macaw.
The Spix's Macaw originally stems from Brazil, but is extinct in the wild there, largely as a result of hunting and logging.
There are about 80 of the birds in captivity around the world, mostly in zoos or with provate individuals.
