Macaw Species
These birds are very intelligent and can learn to talk and learn
tricks very easily. You can teach them to wave, play dead, dance, and even
somersault. They also love to chew, so you will need to provide them with a lot
of toys.
Many bird owners are intimidated by the larger species' strong
wills and large beaks. Their beaks are very strong--one bite can lead you to
the emergency room. These birds are not good for first-time bird owners. You
need to be very experienced with birds in order to keep one of these, somewhat
difficult, creatures.
You need to establish stiff boundaries with the larger species
right when you bring this bird home. Otherwise, they will learn to scream,
bite, or manipulate you in order to suit their needs. These are not meant to be
shoulder birds--never let your large Macaw sit on your shoulder! They can
become very dominantly aggressive and you do not want those strong beaks so
close to your face.
The smaller species are a bit easier to handle, but they still
like to challenge you and keep you on your toes.
If you are an experienced bird owner and are prepared to handle
bites from large beaks, sometimes replacing toys every week, spending a lot of
time with your bird, training your bird to keep his mind active, and spending a
lot of time setting clear boundaries, then these might be the right birds for
you.
Fast Facts
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Name
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Macaw (Ara)
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Origin
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Central
and South America
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Size
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12-36 in., depending on subspecies
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Color Differences
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They
can range in color, from green, to red and green, red and yellow, blue, and
blue and gold.
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Average Cost
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$900-4,000+
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Lifespan
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50
years on average
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Noise
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Loud--some can scream as loud as 105 decibels.
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Living Arrangements
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Because
of their vocal abilities, size, and the size needed for their cages and other
accessories, these birds are best kept in a house.
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Qualities
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Intelligence of a 3-8 year old child, emotional
range of a 2 year old child, may throw tantrums to get attention, great sense
of humor, can tease you and other members of your family (including other
pets), require a lot of attention, can be very demanding, need to be kept
busy with attention, toys, and training, love to chew, love showers, some
species are good family birds, some are prone to becoming one-person birds,
some are described as clownish, energetic, playful, like to roughhouse, some
can be nippy and aggressive, some love to cuddle.
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Abilities
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Excellent--they
can learn to talk and learn tricks.
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Interaction/Time Requirements
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High--These birds do need a lot of attention and
will scream and become very aggressive if they don't get the attention and
time from you that they need.
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Diet
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Mini
species need a diet for large birds and large species need a diet for
x-large birds.
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Supplies Needed
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Mini species need supplies for large birds and
large species need supplies for x-large birds.
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