Macaw Parrots

Macaws are among the most stunning species of birds. Unfortunately, the beauty of these birds sometimes comes at a price. Very heavy trapping for the wild bird trade, combined with ongoing habitat destruction, has led many macaw species to be endangered in the wild, such as the Lear’s Macaw and Blue-throated Macaw.  In fact, the increasingly rare Spix’s Macaw may already be extinct in the wild, with a world population of only 130 in captive care. Learn more about each incredible macaw species below.

Blue and Yellow Macaw
Great Green Macaw
Red and Green Macaw
Scarlet Macaw
Blue-headed Macaw
Hyacinth Macaw
Red-bellied Macaw
Severe Macaw
Blue-throated Macaw
Lear's Macaw
Red-fronted Macaw
Spix's Macaw
Blue-winged Macaw
Military Macaw
Red-shouldered Macaw
Yellow-collared Macaw

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Caring for Companion Macaws

Life with a macaw parrot is a long-term commitment. These stunning birds live for approximately 60 years. Some of the more common companion macaw species include the Blue and Yellow Macaw, Hyacinth MacawMilitary Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Red-shouldered Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, and Yellow-collared Macaw

For the most part, macaws are large birds that require big enclosures a minimum of 15 m (50 feet) in length, where they can fly for at least part of the year. In their natural habitat, macaws spend much of their days flying around, foraging for food. In companion care, they enjoy a healthy variety of sprouted seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, wholemeal bread, cubes of cheese, as well as nutritionally complete kibble.  

Macaws are vigorous chewers that require plenty of unsprayed bird-safe branches and perches such as fir, pine, willow, and elder to sink their beaks into. Heat sterilized pine cones, wooden and leather toys also provide a lot of chewable satisfaction. Other good sources of enrichment include swings, ladders, and complex toys to help keep their active minds engaged and prevent feather plucking and other damaging behavious.

Macaws, like other parrots, should be supervised while they are enjoying their toys to ensure that they don’t accidentally swallow toy parts or otherwise injure themselves. 

Parrot Owner Resources

Keep your parrot healthy and safe with advice from the world’s parrot experts in our free guides.

Videos

Find more macaw videos or explore any other species of parrot with the World Parrot Trust parrot encyclopedia.

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