Types of Macaws That Make Great Pets bird family along with all parrots. Macaws are unique in that they are New World parrots only found in the Western Hemisphere. Most types of macaws prefer tropical forests and jungle habitats, though some in drier regions. The majority of macaw species is in the Amazon Basin of Brazil and Bolivia, but you can find some as far north as Mexico while others can be seen as far south as northern Argentina or Chile.
While many different macaws can make great companions, understanding some differences between the most popular pet macaws can help you decide which may be best for you and your family.
Hyacinth Macaw
- Hyacinth Macaw The friendliest of the macaws, the hyacinth macaw is also the largest of these birds, measuring 40 inches long. They are a rich cobalt blue all over with contrasting yellow around the eyes and at the base of the bill. Despite their size, hyacinth macaws are gentle, affectionate and can grow to be very loyal and docile with their families. They are easy to train with positive reinforcement. But they can become jealous if they are not the center of attention. These birds can live 50 to 60 years, so it is critical to have the whole family dedicat to their pet bird’s care and attention needs.
- These birds are intelligent, but they need daily socialization and stimulation so that they stay tame. Scarlet macaws get bore quite easily, so they should be provide with plenty of toys to play with, in addition to near-constant attention from their owners.
- Hand-fed scarlet macaws can be very affectionate, but potential owners should keep in mind that like all macaws, they can be noisy. Don’t plan on keeping one as a pet if you live in an apartment or small living space, it probably won’t work.
Green-Winged Macaw
Also call the red and green macaw this bird has a red head. White face and green wings with a touch of blue on the edges and reach. They are gentle responsive companions that are tame and easygoing. They can be more talkative than other type of macaws with various screech. And other noise but they don’t imitate speech like other macaws. They have sensitive social personalities and bond well with families but must be introduce slowly to avoid getting overwhelm. Green-winged macaws can live up to 70 years, making a long-term commitment to these birds a must.
Blue and Gold Macaws
Intelligent and sociable, the blue and gold macaw grows to be quite large, measuring nearly three feet from beak to tail. This is not a pet for novice bird owners; it rivals a cat or a dog in its social needs. They are very loud birds, and their vocalizations include flock calls that sound like screaming.
They’re also know to “chew” with their beaks in captivity. The reward for a macaw owner willing to invest the energy is a pet with a lively personality, making it an excellent companion. Blue and gold macaws, also known as blue and yellow macaws, bond closely with their human owners.
Hahn’s Macaws
These little birds are the smallest of the macaws and are very easygoing. Social and intelligent, Hahn’s macaws respond quickly to training and form close bonds with their owners.
They can become good talkers with practice. While they exhibit many typical macaw behaviors, such as screaming, they are a good choice for bird lovers who want a macaw but aren’t ready to take on a large bird.
Hyacinth Macaws
- Hyacinth macaws are the largest type of macaw and arguably the hardest to care for. Because these birds demand more time and attention than other species, they are definitely not suitable for novice bird owners. Large, beautiful, and intelligent, they can be quite alluring but are suitable only for pet owners with the right patience and devotion.
Hybrid Macaws
- Hybrid macaws are unlike any other macaw species, bred strictly for color and pet quality. Being of mixe heritage, they possess combine personality traits of the species that were cross. Only an experience owner with a thorough understanding of macaw behavior should consider a hybrid.
Illiger’s Macaws
Illiger’s macaws are playful, friendly birds that enjoy human interaction. When hand fed as babies and raised in loving attentive homes, these intelligent parrots will bond strongly with their owners and will quickly respond to positive training techniques.
Illiger’s macaws require a lot of mental stimulation, and they like to stay busy.
Military Macaws
Social and very vocal, military macaws have a reputation for being pleasant, even-tempere pets when properly socialize. They are curious birds and enjoy playing and interacting with their human “flock.”
Like other macaws, these birds require a lot of energy from their human owners. Plan to spend ample time with a military macaw if you get one as a pet.
Scarlet Macaws
These birds are intelligent, but they need daily socialization and stimulation so that they stay tame. Scarlet macaws get bore quite easily, so they should be provide with plenty of toys to play with, in addition to near-constant attention from their owners.
Hand-fed scarlet macaws can be very affectionate, but potential owners should keep in mind that like all macaws, they can be noisy. Don’t plan on keeping one as a pet if you live in an apartment or small living space, it probably won’t work.
Severe Macaws
- Friendly and comical, the severe macaw’s large personality makes it a favorite with bird lovers. With adequate socialization, severe macaws bond quickly with their owners, responding well to training and boasting impressive speech abilities. They are as needy as other macaw varieties, but severe macaws can be charming companions.
Yellow-Collared Macaws
Affectionate but some what mischievous the yellow-collare macaw is know for being an intelligent and resourceful little parrot. They thrive on attention from their owners, and like other macaws, they will seek that attention by any means necessary.
Yellow-collare macaws are clever and tend to be escape artists, so it’s important to provide a cage that is safe and secure. Although some are one-person birds, most make good family pets.