We used conventional chromosomal staining to describe the karyotype of the critically endangered Lear's macaw, Anodorhynchus leari Bonaparte 1856. A diploid number of 2n = 70 and a karyotype similar to that of its congener Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus suggests that chromosomal rearrangements were not the main evolutionary mechanism in the genus.
birds; karyotype; chromosomes; Psittaciformes; endangered species
