Translated by Nick R
Maybe you are taking this important decision of who will be your pet bird, so easy at first sight, but in fact very tactful and knowledgeable. If you still don’t know which one to choose, have you thought of getting a macaw?
Table of Contents
What are macaws?
Macaw Family Tree
| Taxonomic Classification | Clad |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Superfamily | Psittacoidea |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Tribe | Ariane |
| Genus | Ara |
| Especies | Ara ararauna, Ara macao |
Macaws are part of the bird kingdom and are one of the largest birds in the order of Psittaciformes or “parrots in broad terms”. Within this large group of birds, there are three other subgroups or superfamilies: Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots) and Psittacoidea (typical parrots). To this last one belong macaws, cockatoos, and parrots proper.
So, evolutionarily, to which group or classification do macaws belong directly?
Macaws belong to the family of the royal parrots, that is, the family of the large parrots, the Psittacidae, within which there are two groups called tribes: Psittacinae and Arinae. Macaws belong to the latter group, being part of the genus Ara; species distributed in South America and Central America in tropical zones, extending to temperate zones in the South.
Exercise
Imagine that the tribe Arinae is just that, a tribe or a community and that your family, within this tribe, is surnamed Ara; so, your name could be Ara Araruana or Ara Macao. The same happens with the species, they have a name and belong to a family tree like you, in which several relatives of different origins are crossed.
Is it allowed to keep macaws as pets?
Yes. Macaws or parrots are allowed to be kept as pets, even though they are exotic birds. However, you must pay special attention to the species and laws of each country.
Characteristics of macaws
| Scientific name | Ara |
| Common name | Macaw or Parrot |
| Place of origin | Central and South America |
| Habitat | Tropical Regions |
| Size | 70cm to 100cm |
| Weight | 800g – 1500g approx. |
| Average sexual or reproductive age | 3 – 4 years |
| Life expectancy in captivity | Up to 80 years |
Physical characteristics
What does a macaw look like? How do I know it is a macaw? Well, identifying a macaw is very simple. First, because they are large and colorful exotic birds. Next, I’ll show you each of their characteristic features.
Size
They are birds of a large size, actually quite large considering your house as their new home. Macaws are among the largest ‘parrots’, they can measure up to one meter in length and weigh more than one kilogram, reaching samples of one and a half kilograms (1.5kg). On average, most macaws reach between 70cm and 90cm, depending on the species.
Plumage
These majestic birds’ plumage is surprisingly colorful, with bright and brilliant tones of reds, yellows, blues, and intense greens. Their wings usually have multi-colored stripes, while the torso is uniform with a single predominant color, such as green, red or yellow, among others.
Beak
The beak, as is characteristic of large parrots, is curved and pointed forward, oriented downward as a hook. The upper jaw is prominent and overlaps the lower jaw, closing in a strong open bite. The beak has a symmetry parallel to the vertical axis of the head. The color varies between beige and black.
Ethological characteristics
Now that you know what they look like physically, you probably want to know how they behave. To understand the ethology of these birds it is necessary to understand it from two sides: their behavior in the wild and in captivity.
Behavior in the wild
The wild behavior of macaws refers to the attitudes they develop in their natural habitat, without human intervention.
They are social birds that group in families of 3 or 4 members, including the father, mother, and offspring. They can also group in flocks of up to 30 individuals to forage for food, forming very solid and supportive social structures. Among the members of the group, they show affection, groom, and sleep together. However, they also have a hierarchical society, where there are dominant individuals.
Perhaps the most amazing thing, without underestimating the rest of their characteristics, is their capacity to emit sounds and articulate words to communicate; in their natural habitat, they do it by means of squawking and loud screeching, thanks, especially to a powerful brain and a special organ near the trachea (where they breathe), the syrinx.
Macaws reach sexual maturity between 3 and 4 years of age, forming lifelong pairs in 99% of matings. Before consummating their love, males perform bows and movements as part of courtship. After the male conquers the female, the couple demonstrates their love by kissing, grooming and sharing food. Finally, they look for a tree and build a nest in a cavity already built by other birds in order to safeguard their chicks.
Domestic behavior
On the other hand, domestic behavior refers to the attitudes they develop in captivity with the active intervention of man as the main responsible for the bird. The behaviors in captivity are based on those that are instinctively determined in the animal and that, as a pet, you must supply to maintain the bird’s welfare.
They like challenges
Being such intelligent birds, you should constantly provide them with new challenges to stimulate their intelligence through activities for their memory and ability to solve problems, by means of games, tricks, or conversations.
Do not leave them alone
They are monogamous and live in pairs all their lives. In addition, they like to live in the community. Therefore, it’s advisable never to leave them alone, preferably females and males in the same number of individuals.
They learn to talk
Parrots can learn to speak with excellent vocalization, around 30 or more words. You’ll be amazed at your macaw’s ability to communicate, as they learn to imitate very naturally.
They require attention and affection
They are loving birds and require your attention and affection, macaws will often approach you to seek direct contact with you, a caress or a massage will be very well received.
Reasons to have a macaw
You have learned about the origin and characteristics of this group of wonderful birds, but what would be the reasons to have one or more of these specimens as a pet?
1. Macaws are very intelligent birds
Birds are very intelligent animals, especially when it comes to large parrots, to which macaws belong. Thanks to the evolutive path they have acquired morphological, physiological, and ethological characteristics that favor superior cognitive processes over millions of years.
Morphologically
Parrots have a thick tongue and a large beak, which allow them to speak with ease; in addition to the syrinx, a specialized organ for speech and sound imitation.
Physiologically
In general, birds have small but very powerful brains. Thanks to the high density of neurons, the cells in charge of processing information in their brains, and macaws can execute advanced cognitive processes. This is because large parrots have areas genetically programmed to do wonderful things, called the pallium or cerebral cortex.
Ethologically
Their flocking behavior drives their intelligence through the formation of sophisticated social groups, supporting the idea that they are highly evolved animals; in fact, as much as some species of apes.
2. Macaws are strong birds
Macaws, or parrots as they are commonly known, are large, robust birds with beaks as strong as their health. They are not pets that get sick frequently and require basic care to maintain their well-being.
Adaptation
Macaw species have an amazing ability to adapt to different environments, they are very resourceful and receptive. Additionally, their robust body structure allows them to overcome natural obstacles or be in captivity, living for many years without major problems.
Immune system
In fact, they have a special immune system, with an organ called the bursa of Fabricius that functions as a military school specialized in the creation of B lymphocytes. This specialized organ forms the soldiers of an army ready to fight against any threat that enters the bird’s organism.
3. Macaws are affectionate birds
You may have noticed how time-consuming and attention-demanding this bird is. This might be complex for a fish owner or any other pet owner who wants a pet with few requirements. But, if you chose a bird and, specifically a macaw as your pet, you should know that because of their sociability and sensitivity, they are very affectionate birds. You’ll never feel alone.
In fact, these birds’ emotional dependence is so great and complex that you could induce a state of lethargy, almost impossible to revert, if you don’t offer them emotional stability. An isolated parrot without emotional ties is a living dead.
And why is this positive?
Their ability to express affectionate feelings is positive because you’ll really feel your bird’s companionship. Believe me, you’ll feel like another friend at your side, but without betrayal and lies. They are very grateful little animals with whom you’ll create a real friendship bond.
My friend Lorena has two dogs: Pepe and Clotilde. She says they are her best friends.
4. Macaws are active birds
Species of this bird genus are very active; they don’t like to sit still and that implies certain conditions and commitment on the part of the owner. This is also a great advantage, because if you are well informed you’ll love to have a macaw for this very reason; they are dynamic animals and you’ll never get bored with them.
Just saying that they fly is a lot, they are free animals and are able to travel long distances. A pet bird like the macaw would be the best friend of someone who is looking for a faithful friend committed to exercising, play, and sharing memorable moments. You’ll always have a friend who is up for fun.
My friend, Daniel, says he doesn’t know how to get his parrot (Rio) to sit still.
5. Macaws are long-lived birds
A great asset of macaws is their longevity. These birds have long lives, which goes along with their intelligence. Having great cognitive capacities and long life to learn enough about this planet is almost a gift granted by nature. Macaws die being “wise”.
They can live up to 80 years, although cases have been recorded in which individuals have lived up to 100 years. The possibility of living many years with your friend is something wonderful because you won’t have to suffer his departure.
One of our readers told us that he has a specimen (Reynaldo), who recently turned 75 years old.
Basic care for macaws
Space and environment for macaws
The space both inside and outside the cage should be very ample, due to their large size and their “libertarian spirit”. Think for a moment, before deciding on a specimen, where you are going to place a bird that can grow on average between 70cm and 90cm in length; you should also look for a mate because it does not tolerate loneliness.
Aviary
The cage recommended for your giant friend is an aviary, either internal or external, according to the conditions and your location. In any case, the animal needs to live in a large aviary, and at least in the company of its mate. In fact, it is best to build or buy an aviary adapted to a bird enclosure. This way it’ll have enough space both inside and outside.
It’s very important that the place you arrange for your bird’s stay and recreation is safe and not quiet. Additionally, don’t forget to enrich the environment with natural and artificial accessories such as perches, logs, plants, branches, and rocks, among others. This will help enhance the bird’s well-being, recreating its natural habitat.
How should you feed your macaws?
The diet of macaws is very similar to the one of parrots, with some differences in the amount of feed, fruits, and vegetables in relation to their total diet.
Feed
Macaws are granivorous birds and their diet is largely based on seeds, so it is advisable to feed them with bird food, approximately 50% of their diet, never less. This is because feed is a processed food with all the necessary nutrients for a bird, especially if it is specifically macaw feed.
It’s also valid to provide equal amounts of feed and fresh food such as vegetables or fruits, which they like very much and does them a lot of good. We are referring to 50% dry food and 50% fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are essential in the diet of macaws, as well as feed. Many experts recommend a diet consisting mostly of feed; however, it’s best to balance between dry and fresh food. You can supply 40% of fruits and vegetables in your friend’s diet, for a more nutritious and varied diet. If you can provide a little more, perhaps 45%, all the better!
Others
On the other hand, you should give them other foods such as seeds, grits, and treats such as seed bars or other bird treats in smaller proportions. This type of food should represent only 10% of the diet, no matter if it is less.
Health and hygiene of macaws
Vaccinations
You need to visit the veterinarian periodically with your bird for a regular check-up to assess the health of your pet at all times. In addition, it’s essential to get the vaccinations that correspond to the species.
Learn more about vaccines and medications.
Grooming
Both bathing your bird and cleaning its accessories and cage are fundamental. Grooming is a crucial point in the health and hygiene of the pet. Keeping macaws, as well as any other domestic bird species, requires a thorough cleansing to avoid diseases and improve the quality of life of the animal in captivity.
Bathing
Bathe your friend at least once a week with water, you can use bird shampoo too. Use vinegar monthly to keep away external parasites such as mites. Additionally, keep a bathing area for them to bathe themselves.
Cleaning
Clean the cage and environment every day, changing waterers and feeders. Thoroughly clean the aviary every week. The surroundings, especially if it is a patio or internal aviary, must be cleaned every month completely and thoroughly with special cleaners.
Other cares
Do not neglect your friend’s beak and claws, trimming them when they get too long is essential. Additionally, remember that foraging and daily activity is important to prevent them from growing too much, wear and tear are natural. Therefore, in addition to regular beak and claw trimming, you must provide them with an environmentally enriched space.
Read more here.
Curious fact
Macaws have the ability to generate hybrids, that is, they can reproduce with other species, either of the genus Ara with which they produce fertile offspring or with other genera with infertile offspring.
Do you like macaws and do you have the conditions to have them at home? I think you have enough reasons to adopt.
You may also be interested in
What are the most intelligent birds?
Why do birds talk?
