Macaws

Macaws are exotic birds related to parrots. Although they are somewhat smaller than these, the coloring in their feathers is much more vivid.

If you would like to learn more about macaws, such as its characteristics, habitat, types of birds and care, do not hesitate to take a look at this section.

Characteristics of macaws

macaws, also called macaws or even parrots, scientific name SearchThey come from the parrot family. They are birds that reach a size between 80 and 90 centimeters in height, as well as a weight of approximately one and a half kilos. They are characterized by a plumage of bright and intense colors that attract a lot of attention. The vast majority of macaws are green in color, but you can also find yellow, blue, or even red ones.

Like other parrot-like birds, they have a large, curved, hooked beak that is very powerful, capable of breaking the shells of some hard fruits. They also use this to cling to the branches, bars of the cage... Along with the beak, the claws are another of their "instruments" to hold on, grab things and climb, because their claws are prehensile and are made up of four fingers, two that go forward, and two that go backwards. In addition, the tail they have is quite long and colorful.

Something that not many know is that macaws have a bone in their tongue, is dry and scaly, so he is able to use it to hit.

Their life expectancy is quite long, since It can live between 80 and 100 years.

The character of the macaw

Macaws are quite loud animals. In fact, they are capable of squealing all day, since even eating or grooming themselves, they are making sounds. Only when they breed is when you can find silence. Now, they can be taught to be quiet, but it is not easy for them to learn it. Yes indeed, They are very intelligent and are capable of learning approximately 30 words.

Of daily habits, they are not active all day, but, when it's hotter, they usually take a nap or two. Only first thing in the day, and at sunset, is when they develop the most activity.

Its character, thanks to the fact that it is a sociable animal, is quite docile. If they live with adults from a young age, they have no problem living with them, and even making them part of their family. In fact, they do not like to be alone, but in a matter of cages, they do prefer it (especially if they are birds of other species).

He loves attention, and is quite demanding in that regard.

Habitat

Macaws are native to the area of ​​America. Specifically, where they are most found is in South America and Central America. From the jungles of Mexico to the northwest of Argentina, the territory is one of the most ideal for these animals, since they live in tropical climate zones such as forests. They do it in colonies, of about 20-30 members, which makes them very social animals.

In addition, like other birds, they are also monogamous, that is, they choose a partner and keep it throughout their lives; in fact, if they ever lose her, it is possible that she could die from "lovesickness."

types of macaws

In the animal kingdom, we can find 17 different species of macaws. Actually, there are 23 if we consider those species that are already extinct. These are:

• Ararauna route: blue and yellow macaw;
• Ara glaucogularis Dabbene: Blue-throated Macaw or Blue-throated Macaw;
• Piazza military: military macaw or green macaw. Where you meet the A. m. mexicanus Ridgway, the A. m. militaris, and the A. m. bolivianus Reichenow.
• ara ambiguus: ambiguous macaw, jester macaw or great green macaw. In this species you have as subspecies A. a. ambiguus, and guayaquilensis Chapman.
• Ara macao: red and yellow macaw or flag macaw. With the subspecies A. m. cyanopterus Wiedenfeld, and A. m. macau.
• Ara chloropterus (Gray, GR, 1859): red and green macaw or green-winged macaw;
• Ara rubrogenys (Lafresnaye, 1847): Cochabamba macaw, red-fronted macaw or golden macaw;
• ara severus (Linnaeus, 1758): severe macaw;
• tricolor ara (Bechstein, 1811): Cuban macaw. Already extinct.
• Ara autochthones Wetmore, 1937: Saint Croix macaw. Already extinct.

macaw care

Keeping macaws as pets is not something unthinkable. In fact, today you can find these animals both in pet stores and through breeders. But it is a bird that needs some special care.

How much does a macaw cost?

Buying macaws today is not complicated. But you do need to be careful what you buy, especially so that they aren't smuggled (or endangered) birds. It is best to make sure that you buy it from someone you trust, be it a pet store, a breeder... The best place are specialized hatcheries, because you make sure that they have been raised in captivity and that, in addition, they have had contact with animals, so they are used to being human.

In this case, you can buy two types:

• papillero macaws, where you will have to raise your bird by hand, and they are more tameable (they see you as another family member).
• adult macaws, They may be young or several years old.

As for the price, the truth is that it is not cheap. He price can vary from 300 to 3.000 euros depending on the species, the sex and the place where you acquire it. In addition, you will have to add the costs of accommodation (cage and maintenance/cleaning), food, toys, vet... which are monthly and annual expenses.

The feeding of the macaws

The feeding of the macaw, as in other birds, requires a part of dry food, and another wet. As for the first, this will be covered with a quality feed focused on these animals. Mixtures of macaw seeds can also be given, but these should not be abused because they are high in fat and can be harmful to your health.

As wet food, you can give fruits and vegetables, making a salad with some of them. In fact, it is important that you have variety on your plate so that you eat everything.

The reproduction of macaws

Macaws reach the sexual maturity at approximately 4 years. It is at that moment when they form a couple with a female, and both will be faithful until the end. At the time of reproduction, they need a fairly large cage for the two specimens, as well as a nest box of at least 60x60x90 centimeters.

Once mating takes place, the female will lay about 3 eggs that will incubate for a month (between 24 and 28 days). The young are born blind and featherless (these will start coming out after 10 days). They will not leave the nest until 3-4 months.