Macaws: General Information

Macaws (Ara species) are the largest members of the parrot family, also known as psittacines. These magnificent, vividly colored birds originate in Mexico and Central and South America. They have long, tapered tails, strong bodies, and large, powerful beaks. 

Macaws are intelligent, playful, and inquisitive. They are high-maintenance birds that require a great deal of space to house. They also require a lot of daily affection and attention.

Some macaws will bond with one person, showing aggression towards others, while others tend to be more nervous and excitable. Other macaws, especially the smaller species that are referred to as mini-macaws (Hahn’s, yellow collar, and severe macaws) tend to be calmer.

Macaws can learn words but are not well known for having a large vocabulary. Their vocalizations are often loud, harsh, penetrating squawks.

Macaws love to play and chew. Their impressively large beak can be exceedingly destructive. They should be provided with a continuous supply of hard wood, plastic, leather, and cardboard bird-safe toys to afford many hours of entertainment and exercise.

Some commonly kept large macaws include the blue and gold macaw, scarlet macaw, green-winged macaw, and hyacinth macaw. Despite the exotic appeal of macaws, they are unsuitable for many households and family situations due to their loud screeching, destructive behavior, and their great need for daily attention and time out of their cages.

The scarlet macaw and the blue and gold macaw are perhaps the most commonly kept macaws as pets. The severe, yellow-collared, and Hahn’s macaws are almost half the size of the larger macaws and have a more gentle but noisy demeanor. The hyacinth macaw is often referred to as the “gentle giant”. It is the largest macaw and considerably calmer and more easy-going, but is also the most expensive to purchase.

Where can I get a macaw?

Macaws may be purchased from pet stores or reputable breeders or adopted from rescue organizations. Young birds may be easier to tame and train than older, wild-caught, or colony/parent-raised birds. Hand-raised babies are often more affectionate pets, since they have been socialized with humans. Young birds typically adapt more readily to new environments and situations.

After a period of acclimation, new birds should be exposed early to different events (e.g., different people, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinarian) to help them become calmer, more well-adjusted pets. Healthy birds are more likely to be lively, alert, and not easily stressed. After bringing your new bird home, you should have it examined by an avian veterinarian within the first 7 days to help ensure that your new macaw is a healthy bird.

What veterinary care do macaws need?

As with other pet birds, annual veterinary health examinations are highly recommended for your pet macaw. Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination, grooming (including nail or wing trims, as necessary), and laboratory tests. During these annual health check-ups, your veterinarian can address nutritional and healthcare issues.

Annual veterinary check-ups will help prevent disease, ensure your macaw is provided with a well-balanced diet, and aid in the maintenance of a long-lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird. The Association of Avian Veterinarians website (www.aav.org) is useful for finding an avian veterinarian in your area.

What are the characteristics and housing requirements of macaws?

Color: Macaws come in a rainbow of color combinations, depending on the species, including blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and rusty brown. Juveniles have color variations like adult macaws.

Most have a white area of skin surrounding the eyes, extending to the beak, except for the Hyacinth macaw, which only has a Bright yellow patch of skin around both eyes and around the lower beak.

Sexing: There are no obvious external sex differences between males and females. Blood tests or surgical endoscopy are generally performed to distinguish between males and females.

Weight: Average weight depends on species.

• Mini-macaws: 150–300 grams
• Large macaws: 900–1700 grams

Size: Average size depends on species.

• Mini-macaws: 12–20 inches (30–51 centimeters)
• Macaws: 30–40 inches (76–102 centimeters)

Lifespan: Average lifespan depends on species.

• Average 50–60 years (maximum 75 years)
• Mini-macaws: 30–40 years
• Large Macaws: 50–60 years (maximum is approximately 75 years, although some have been reported to live over 90 years)

Breeding: Sexual maturity occurs at 4–7 years, depending on the species. Most are difficult to breed in captivity.

Brood Size: 2-4 white eggs hatch in 23–28 days. Young birds leave the nest at 3 months in the wild. Baby macaws may be taken from the nest at 1–2 weeks of age to be hand-fed and hand-raised.

Cage: Cage size depends on species.

• Mini-macaws: Minimum 3 ft wide x 3 ft tall x 4 ft long (90 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm)
• Large Macaws: Minimum 4 ft wide x 5 ft tall x 5 ft long (120 cm x 152 cm x 152 cm)