Common Name: scarlet macaw, blue and gold macaw, hyacinth macaw, green winged macaw, Catalina macaw (hybrid), harlequin macaw (hybrid)
Latin Name: Ara macao (scarlet), Ara ararauna (blue and gold), Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (hyacinth), Ara chloroptera (green winged macaw)
You Should Know…
- Can be messy and noisy – their screams are as loud as a plane taking off!
- Need lots of interaction or they may become aggressive or pluck out their feathers.
- Need lots of space.
Conservation Issues
Macaws are an endangered group of birds in the wild; issues such as habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade threaten the continued survival of wild populations of these species. In order to ensure that the purchase of a pet macaw does not contribute to these problems, only purchase captive-bred birds. See Conservation Issues and Take Action for more information.
Legalities
Potential owners should always check with local governmental offices to ensure that there are no regulations regarding ownership of macaws. See Legalities for more information.
Best Bets for Pets Personality Test Attributes
Owner Personality – Superstar
Macaws love to interact with people, and are great for people willing to care for a demanding pet.
Owner-Pet Relationship – Friends Forever
Owning a macaw is a long-term commitment, but prospective owners can look forward to a close relationship with their bird.
Owner-Pet Household – Give and Take or King of the Castle
Macaws need lots of care, so homes that are able and willing to care for a bird full-time are excellent for these large parrots.
Time – Homebody or Working Stiff
Macaws are highly intelligent social birds that need lots of interaction to keep them happy. Owners should dedicate time every day to allowing their macaw time out of its cage.
Space – The Great Outdoors
or Room to Move
As the largest of the parrots, macaws need lots of space, including outside their cage. Keeping macaws in small cages may cause the bird distress and trigger physical ailments.
Dollars and Cents – Going Dutch or Moneybags
The initial cost of the bird itself can be a significant investment with prices averaging between $500 to $1500.Additionally, macaws need larger cages, more and bigger toys, and more feed than other caged birds, which raises the cost of keeping one as a pet.
Commitment – The Golden Years
Macaws are among the longest-lived birds; many individuals have lived 65 years and longer! Only purchase a macaw if you are prepared for a life-long commitment.
Take the Best Bets for Pets Personality Test to help you choose a pet that's best for you!