The Difference Between Parrots & McCaws

Parrots and macaws have many similarities since they are both members of the parrot family, known as Psittacidae. The parrot family is large, encompassing more than 300 species of birds. Most birds associated with the parrot family are known for their bright colors and intelligence, and the macaws and parrots are no different. But as with any family, animal or human, the larger macaw does differ in some categories from its smaller relative, the parrot.

  1. Size

    • The macaw's growth rate can reach to almost 40 inches from head to the end of its tail feathers. The largest macaw is the hyacinth macaw and its wingspan can reach up to four feet in length. Although some macaws are generally smaller, around 12 inches long, which is about the same size as most parrots, macaws are known for being the largest member of the parrot family.

    Intelligence

    • African grey parrots are the most noted parrot species to learn to mimic human language.

      Although all members of the parrot family are smart birds and have the ability to mimic nonavian sounds, like human speech, parrots are more known for their ability to mimic than macaws. The African grey parrot is the most noted talker of the parrots. An African grey parrot named "Alex" even learned how to count, identify shapes and could label more than 100 different objects. Although smart birds and some macaws are able to mimic human speech, they rarely are able identify objects or learn to count.

    Range

    • Although parrot and macaw habitats overlap, parrots are found throughout the world while macaws are only found in parts of South and Central America. The parrot's range stretches from South and Central America to Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. Macaws are only found in rainforest regions, while parrots can be found in rain forests and desert areas. Both parrots and macaws, however, are only found in warmer climates.

    Flight

    • Macaws are built for a different kind of flight than parrots. Macaws have a long tail in line with their body so they can glide through dense trees without having to flap. Parrots, on the other hand, have short tails and smaller bodies so they can maneuver their way through tight spaces without getting caught up in brush or branches. Macaws are known to fly long distances, up to 40 miles a day, while parrots do not fly as often.