Macaw

The Macaw parrot is typically found in Central and South America with some even found in the Caribbean! They do very well in tropical rainforests, they are usually found in the canopy of the tall deciduous trees. While most Macaws prefer the rainforests others prefer the woodlands, savannas and rivers edge. They usually nest in earthen banks, holes in a tree, and cliff sides.

In the wild Macaws live in flocks, with their mate, of about 10-30 other birds. They even create a unique tune so their mate will be able to identify them!

Overall description

The Macaw is one of the largest of the parrots.

They have a bare patch on their face, with no feathers, that varies in size for each bird. They have long beaks made for cracking nuts and seeds. Their tail feathers are long and pointed, and it takes up a majority of their body length. They use their feet like hands to grab and hold things.

The Macaws range in size from about 12 inches up to in some species 40 inches, and they can live for about 60-80 years or more!

Many of the Macaw species are actually are on the endangered animal list. This is due to the loss of their habitat through deforestation and illegal pet trade.

Speech and Sounds

Macaws make lots of different squawks and calls, which they are used for communicating within their flocks, marking their territory, and identifying each other in the flock.

They are able to mimic human speech with both male and female being able to speak, and some can even learn to speak full sentences! Make sure you are constantly saying, whistling, playing or singing the thing you want them to learn. You do need to be careful about what you say around them because they can pick up and learn swear words, in fact small group of Macaws were removed from the public eye at a wildlife park because they were swearing at the visitors!

Colors

Macaws are a very bright and colorful bird. Their are about 19 different species of macaws, so there are many different colors! The colors include red, blue, green, and yellow.

Care and Feeding

Start with fresh water every day. Macaws should have a high quality pellet that is formulated for them, fresh fruit and veggies, and sometimes seeds and nuts as they are fattening. Make sure not to give them avocados, chocolate and rhubarb as they are toxic. They love to take baths so get a mister bottle or use the shower head and let them have fun.

Their cage should be big enough for them to move around freely and be kept clean as well as their water and food bowls. Provide them with plenty of perches and toys for their entertainment, enrichment, and exercise. The perches should be various widths and sizes so their feet don’t get sores.

Personality & Behavior

Macaws are social birds so make sure you interact with them as often as possible. They are highly intelligent, playful, social and affectionate. They form a strong bond with their owners, they love head scratches and snuggles, they should be socialized when they are young so they don’t just become a one person bird.

They are a very loud bird so that should be taken in to consideration. They can be moody and can show aggression if they feel threatened or if they are being neglected. They can be destructive if they are bored so make sure that they have toys and things to destroy. They need training and socialization so their behavior can be managed.