Macaws typically choose an mate for life and spend a lot of time together sharing food, grooming and caring for young. Unfortunately, these magnificent bird species are in danger of disappearing.The poaching of this beautiful bird species human-caused destruction of habitats and the cage bird trade are all dangers.
Great Green Macaw
The great green macaw (Ara ambiguus) is the largest parrot in Central America and one of the most striking birds in the canopy of the rainforest. Its green plumage is highlighted by the red on its forehead and blue on its lower back, and tail feathers. Its tail and wings are both long and pointed which allows it to move effortlessly through the forest canopy. Its strong, large beak is designed to break open nuts and seeds. The great green Macaw is a predator and, consequently is a key player in maintaining healthy rainforest ecologies. The dispersal of seeds helps species of trees such as the maiz-based tree Dipteryxoleifera thrive by providing food for other animal species.
These majestic birds live in pairs or small groups, and spend most of their time flying high up in the canopy of the forest looking for fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are well-known for nesting in hollow tree cavities which they often cover with branches and grass. The female will lay between two and three eggs which will incubate for about 26-28 days. The male helps feed the chicks after they hatch.
Captive great green macaws are highly intelligent and playful birds that make great companion pets. It is essential to keep in mind that these birds need plenty of space, patience and care to flourish. They have been reported to bite and be destructive when bored. They also are susceptible to health issues like proventricular dilatation or macaw wasting.
Like many other species of tropical Great green macaws, too, are in decline. Their habitat is being degraded by mining, logging agriculture, cattle ranching. The illegal wildlife trade, and hunting for food is also affecting their numbers.
Protecting the habitat of these amazing animals is the only way to ensure their survival. By creating corridors between protected zones, these creatures will be able to move around freely and have access to numerous food sources. In the end, protecting the natural habitats of these beautiful birds can help to protect other endangered species that share their habitats.
Blue and Gold Macaw
This gorgeous bird is one of most sought-after parrots kept in captivity around the world. It is intelligent and affectionate, as well as active. It requires a great deal of interaction and education, but can be a great pet if it is properly trained. Macaws can be aggressive when not properly trained or provided with distinct boundaries. This is why it's important to work with an experienced trainer who understands how to manage large birds and teach them tricks. Dave and Jamieleigh from BirdTricks have created a fantastic video on how to manage the Blue and Gold Macaw. They share some tips, tricks, and techniques to aid anyone in training the macaw to ensure it is friendly and fun to play with. Click HERE to view their video.
A parrot species in the family, the blue and gold macaws are neotropical birds that are native to forest (especially in varzea areas) and woodland and savannah habitats in tropical Central America and South America as and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Macaws are characterized by a blue dorsum, tail feathers and the gradient of green on their head. They also have accents of yellow or gold. The wing coverts and wings are blue with green highlights. Their feet are zygodactyl with two toes pointed forward and two pointing backwards. This adaptation allows them to grasp branches effortlessly.
They are monogamous, pair for life and remain together during the breeding season. They excavate tree cavities with their powerful beaks to build nests. They typically lay two to three egg and incubate for 25 days. Once they hatch, both parents feed the altricial chicks by regurgitation until they are able to take care of themselves.
They are intelligent birds who convey a variety of emotions using a variety vocalizations. They also display a variety of courtship behaviors including cocking the head, flirting with raised wings, and blushing. They also show their emotions by swaying their tail feathers, bowing, prancing and bobbing.
They are playful and love to chew toys. This is why it is recommended that pet owners offer plenty of bird-safe, durable toys that can hold up to their strong jaw muscles. This will help keep the teeth healthy and keep them from developing excessive plaque and tartar.
Red-shouldered Macaw
Sometimes referred to as the Hahn's Macaw, this small bird is among the most intelligent macaw species. It is a great speaker and is able to master a variety of tricks. It is also more calm than other macaws. This makes it an ideal option for those who are concerned about the sound of a noisy bird. It may be small and nippy, but usually grows out of it and becomes very playful as an older parrot.
This bird is native to savannahs swamplands and tropical lowland habitats throughout Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana and South-eastern Peru. Its bright green color is perfect to disguise itself in the forest. It lay between two and five eggs which are incubated for 24 days. After two months, the eggs are ready to fly. The species usually mates for life and is typically seen in pairs.
In its natural habitat, it forages for berries and flowers and fruits, nuts, seeds and leaves. The birds are known to eat insects, too. They are also known to gather close to clay cliffs. This is thought to help them remove any toxins they may have ingested during eating their usual food.
Like other macaws Hahn's Macaws are susceptible to self-mutilation, feather plucking, nutritional disorders, proventricular dilatation disease and beaks that are overgrown. A healthy diet, regular veterinary inspections, and a proper cage care can prevent these problems.
The bird can live for up to 50 years in the wild. It isn't usually available in pet stores with large sizes, but it is available in avian-specialty stores and from breeders of birds. It is smart, but can be difficult to train a beginner. It is a great talker and can be taught to whistle, clap, and dance.
Hahn's Macaws can be very loud and are not recommended for apartments living. These birds need a spacious cage with a variety of steady perches, a variety of large food bowls, and plenty of opportunities to exercise regularly outside of their cage. They are also extremely strong chewers and require a sturdy cage that is secure.
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) is a gorgeous large, tropical parrot. This bird, like other Macaws, is monogamous and pairs for life. It is also susceptible to mimicry which makes it a perfect companion bird.
This species is native to South America, and can be found in a variety of habitats. Cloud forests, savannas, and rainforests are all habitats that could be used. IUCN has declared the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw endangered and conservation efforts have been launched to protect this beautiful bird.
The birds are able to breed at the age of 3 or 4 years. It is believed that they are a pair for life and will stay together until one of them dies. The Blue-and-Yellow macaw lays between two and three eggs in each nest. The female incubates the eggs while the male fights for the nest. After the chicks hatch, they are altricial and must rely on their parents for food until they are able to feather themselves and begin to consume food for themselves.
In the wild, Macaws are social birds and will spend their time in groups of other parrots and Macaws. They are intelligent and can learn many sounds. The Blue-and-yellow is a skilled flyer, and can be seen flying through the canopy of the forest and performing other impressive aerial maneuvers.
The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is a beautiful and captivating bird. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a pet that will provide companionship and entertainment.
This bird is a beautiful large, tropical bird that is native to South America. It is monogamous and mates for life and has a strong inclination toward mimicry. It also has a strong inclination to bond with humans and can master the meaning of a variety of words and phrases.
When the Blue-and Yellow Macaw is between 3 and 4 years old, it is the age of breeding. The Blue-and Yellow will pair for life, and is known to live in small groups of family members. The Leia blue macaw and red macaw (hop over to this site)-and-Yellow can be found in many habitats including cloud forests and savannas. The Blue-and-Yellow prefers build nests in tree cavities which they build with their powerful beaks. The female will lay a couple of eggs, and will incubate them for around a month.
