Macaw

Template:Taxobox begin Template:Taxobox image Template:Taxobox begin placement Template:Taxobox regnum entry Template:Taxobox phylum entry Template:Taxobox classis entry Template:Taxobox ordo entry Template:Taxobox familia entry Template:Taxobox end placement Template:Taxobox section subdivision Ara
Anodorhynchus
Cyanopsitta
Propyrrhura
Orthopsittaca
Diopsittaca Template:Taxobox end Macaws are large colorful New World parrots, classified into six of the many Psittacidae genera: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Propyrrhura, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. They are the largest birds in the parrot family in length and wingspan, though the flightless Kakapo is heavier.

Parrots are zygodactyl, like woodpeckers, having 4 toes on each foot – two front and two back.

Their native habitats are the forests, especially rain forests, of Mexico and Central and South America.

Status

The majority of macaws are now endangered in the wild. Five species of macaw are already extinct, and Spix's Macaw is now considered to be extinct in the wild. The Glaucous Macaw is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century. The greatest problems threatening the macaw population are the rapid rate of deforestation and the illegal trapping of birds for the bird trade.

Birds in captivity

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Scarlet Macaw

Macaws eat nuts and fruit and can destroy trees, so if kept as pets they should be provided with suitable branches to gnaw and chewable toys to play with. They are very intelligent creatures.

Bonding: Macaws have a long life span, claimed as 100 years in the wild and 75 years in captivity. Simply stated, a Macaw as a pet will likely be a companion for life, as some outlive their human keepers. They are monogamous and mate for life. In captivity unmated macaws will bond primarily with one person – their keeper. Pet macaws thrive on frequent interaction, handling and love just as humans do. Lacking this, their mental and physical health will suffer. They are expensive to purchase as well as care for.

Other sub-bondings also take place and most macaws that are subjected to non-aggressive behavior (i.e love) will trust most humans and can be handled even by strangers if someone familiar is within eyeshot of the bird.

These birds are not for children. All species of macaws have very powerful, large beaks and are capable of causing a considerable amount of harm to a child or adult alike. They are delicate creatures and require respectful, and experienced, husbandry from handlers. Macaws are also extremely loud: their voices are designed to carry over long distances. With that said, the majority of pet owners lack the accomidations, expense, time, and experience for these parrots; please seriously consider this before you make a purchase.

Gallery

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)
Blue and Gold Macaws (Ara ararauna)
Military Macaw (Ara militaris)