The fat bird you’re referring to is likely Blu, the main character from the animated film Rio. Blu is a rare Spix’s macaw who thinks he is the last of his kind. Here are some quick facts about Blu and his story in Rio:
Who is Blu?
- Blu is a male Spix’s macaw, a rare species of blue macaw native to Brazil.
- He was found as the last survivor of his clan by a young boy named Tulio.
- Tulio adopted Blu and raised him in Moose Lake, Minnesota.
- As a domesticated bird, Blu is socially awkward and unable to fly.
What happens in Rio?
The movie Rio follows Blu’s journey from Moose Lake to Rio de Janeiro. Here’s a quick summary of the plot:
- Tulio discovers a female Spix’s macaw named Jewel and needs to bring the two birds together to save their species.
- Blu travels with Tulio and ornithologist Linda to Rio.
- Blu meets Jewel, but she wants nothing to do with him at first.
- Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by smugglers who want to sell them.
- Chained together, Blu and Jewel escape into the jungle and begin to fall in love.
- They work together to escape the smugglers and return to Tulio and Linda.
Blu’s Personality and Characteristics
As the last male of his kind, Blu shows some unique characteristics and personality quirks:
- Socially awkward, shy, and nervous around other birds
- Clumsy and unable to fly at first
- Highly intelligent and well-educated by Linda
- Awkward, gangly physical appearance
- Tender hearted and emotional
- Brave and heroic when those he loves are in danger
Blu’s Relationships
Throughout the course of Rio, Blu forms some meaningful relationships that change him:
- Linda – Blu’s loving human companion who raised him in Moose Lake.
- Jewel – The female macaw who opens Blu’s eyes to life in the wild. They become romantic partners.
- Tulio – The ornithologist who cares for rare birds and wants to save the Spix’s macaw species.
- Rafael – A fun-loving toucan who helps Blu learn to fly.
- Nico and Pedro – Samba-loving best friends who help Blu in the jungle.
Blu’s Journey in Rio
Over the course of the movie, Blu undergoes a meaningful transformation:
- As a domesticated pet, he is unable to fly and terrified of the jungle.
- Chained to Jewel, he is forced to embark on a wilderness adventure in Rio.
- He learns survival skills, begins to fly, and embraces his natural roots.
- He discovers his courage and proves his love for Jewel.
- By the end, he is truly a wild bird who chooses to live free in Brazil with Jewel.
Why is Blu Important?
As the last known male of his species, Blu plays a vital role in the Spix’s macaw conservation effort. Some key reasons Blu is so important include:
- He could save the Spix’s macaw from extinction by reproducing with Jewel.
- His domestic upbringing makes him open to human help for conservation.
- He serves as an ambassador for rare species and environmental awareness.
- Blu’s personality makes him a likable protagonist audiences can relate to.
Blu’s Species: Spix’s Macaw Facts
Here are some key facts about Spix’s macaws like Blu:
Scientific Name | Cyanopsitta spixii |
---|---|
Conservation Status | Critically Endangered |
Population in Wild | Likely Extinct |
Average Lifespan | 20-30 years |
Average Size | 56-74 cm long |
Average Weight | 310-500 g |
Natural Habitat | Riparian forests in Brazil |
Fun Facts About Blu
- Jesse Eisenberg provided Blu’s voice in the English version of Rio.
- Blu has an orange plastic smiley face toy he is attached to as a companion.
- Blu enjoys human comforts like pancakes with syrup, hot chocolate, and TV.
- He initially wears a bird-sized fanny pack to carry personal items.
- Blu eats mashed food like cookies and brownies provided by Linda.
- His full name is Tyler Blu Gunderson, given by his adoptive owner Linda.
Conclusion
Blu is an iconic animated bird known for his starring role in Rio and Rio 2. As a rare Spix’s macaw, Blu plays an important part in the conservation effort to save his critically endangered species from extinction. His journey from domesticated pet to courageous bird embracing his natural roots in Rio makes him a compelling protagonist. Blu shows audiences that even awkward, nerdy birds can find the courage to fly and become wildlife heroes with the help of good friends.