[2] Its specific epithet auricollis meaning gold-collared, from the Latin aurum 'gold', and collum 'neck'.

The general plumage is green, with a distinct yellow collar that is broadest on the back of the neck.

It has extensive bare white facial skin and the heavy bill is black, often tipped pale grey.

A second disjunct population occurs in far north-eastern Mato Grosso, south-eastern Pará and western Tocantins in Brazil.

It occurs in forest (but avoids the Amazon Rainforest), woodland, savanna and grassland with scattered trees.

As a domestic pet, a yellow collared is extremely social and demands attention.

Affectionate, and somewhat mischievous, the yellow-collared macaw has a reputation for being an intelligent and resourceful little parrot.