What Are Macaws?

Macaws are colorful members of the parrot family who live in flocks of between 10 and 30 individuals. There are 17 different species of macaw, including large and miniature types all having distinctive, multicolor plumage. The illegal trade of macaws as exotic pets has led to several species becoming endangered in the wild.

  1. Description

    • Some macaw species are very colorful.

      Macaws come in a range of colors, including blue, red, green and gold. Some are mostly one color with just a flash of a different color around the beak and eyes while others have several colors of plumage. They can range in size from the large hyacinth macaw, at 39.4 inches tall and up to 3.7 lbs. in weight, to the small, red shouldered macaw, at 11.8 inches tall and 6 ounces in weight. All species have a thick and powerful curved beak.

    Diet

    • A macaw's beak is very powerful and can crush nuts, seeds and even bone.

      Macaws are omnivorous, but mainly eat fruits, nuts and seeds. Their powerful curved beaks are ideal for crushing the hard shells of certain nuts and seeds. As an added source of protein, macaws also eat small insects and snails. Macaws also eat clay soil from river banks or cliff faces which is believed to aid the digestion of unripe fruits that may contain toxins.

    Range and Habitat

    • Macaws roost high in the rainforest canopy.

      Macaws are rainforest birds, roosting in groups high up in the thick canopy cover. They can be found in forests in Mexico and down into Central and South America. They are not found in the southern regions of Argentina or Chile. Most often flocks are found close to a regular water source such as a lake or river.

    Life Cycle

    • Macaws pair off for life.

      Macaws are long-living birds, with some species reaching ages between 50 to 60 years. Depending on the species, they reach breeding age at between 2 to 10 years and lay clutches of between one and four eggs. They pair off for life, staying with the same partner year after year until one bird dies. The female incubates the eggs while the male brings her food. Once the eggs hatch both parents take over the task of feeding the young. Some species of macaw can also interbreed, creating hybrid varieties.