How to Tame a Blue Macaw and Red Macaw
Macaws generally choose their mate for life. They spend the majority of their time together, sharing food grooming, and taking care of young. Unfortunately, these magnificent birds are teetering near the edge of extinction in their natural habitat.
Habitat destruction caused by humans as well as the trade in cage birds and poaching are all major threats to this beautiful species.
Great Green Macaw
The great green macaw (Ara ambiguus) is the largest parrot found in Central America and one of the most striking birds found in the rainforest canopy. The vibrant green plumage of the macaw is accented by the red on its forehead and blue on its lower back, rump and tail feathers. The long pointed wings and tail allow it to easily move through the forests. Its strong, large beak is designed to break open seeds and nuts. The great green macaw is a fugivore and, consequently it plays a crucial part in sustaining healthy rainforest ecosystems. Seed dispersal is a key factor that allows tree species such as the maiz biological tree Dipteryx Oleifera to flourish and provide food for other species of animal.
The majestic birds are generally often seen in small groups and spend the majority of their time in the forest canopy searching for nuts, fruits and seeds. Nests are usually located in hollow tree cavities which are lined with branches or grass. The female will lay between two and three eggs, which she will incubate for around 26-28 days. After the chicks hatch males help feed them.
Captive great-green macaws are excellent companion animals. They are intelligent, playful birds. It is crucial to remember that these animals need plenty of space, patience, and attention to thrive. They can bite and cause damage if they are bored. They can also be prone to certain health issues, including proventricular dilatation and macaw-related wasting disease.
The great green macaw is declining like many other tropical species. Their habitat is being destroyed due to mining and logging as well as cattle ranching and agriculture. The illegal wildlife trade, and hunting for food is also affecting their numbers.
The only way to guarantee their survival is to secure their habitat. Creating corridors between protected areas will allow the animals to move freely and access diverse food sources. In the end, protecting the natural habitat of these beautiful birds will help to save other species threatened by extinction that share their homes like the Scarlet Macaw and Yellow-naped Amazon.
Blue and Gold Macaw
This gorgeous bird is one of the most loved parrots in captivity worldwide. It is smart, affectionate, and very active. It requires a lot of interaction and training but can make a wonderful pet if properly trained. However, macaws are also notoriously aggressive if not properly trained and surrounded by clear boundaries. This is why it's essential to work with a professional trainer who knows how to manage large birds and teach them tricks. Dave and Jamieleigh from BirdTricks have created a fantastic video on how to control an Blue and Gold Macaw. They provide some tips, tricks, and techniques to aid anyone in training the macaw to ensure it is a pleasure to interact with. Click HERE to watch their video.
A member of the parrot family, the blue and gold macaws are neotropical birds that are native to forests (especially in varzea areas) and woodland and savannah habitats of tropical Central America and South America as well as Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Macaws are characterized by a blue dorsum and tail feathers, as well as gradient shades of green on their head. They also have accents of gold or yellow. The covers of their wings and wings are blue with green highlights. Their feet are zygodactyl with two toes pointing forward and two pointed backwards. This adaptation allows them to grasp branches easily.
Monogamous birds pair for life, and stay together during the breeding season. They build their nests in tree cavities that they excavate using their strong beaks. They typically lay two or three egg and incubate for 25 days. Once they hatch, both parents feed the altricial chicks with regurgitation until they're able to take care of themselves.
Like all macaws, they are intelligent birds that communicate an array of emotions through a variety vocalizations. They also display a variety of courtship behaviors, including the cocking of their heads, flirting by raising the wings and blushing. They can also express their emotions by shaking their tail feathers, bowing, prancing and bobbing.
They are also playful, and they love to chew toys. It is therefore recommended that pet owners provide an assortment of sturdy safe, bird-friendly toys that are able to withstand their powerful jaw muscles. This will keep their teeth in good condition and prevent the development of 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 bonds well with its human counterparts and is a powerful talker that can learn many tricks. It's also more peaceful than other macaws, which makes it a great option for those who might be worried about a loud parrot. It is little nippy in the beginning, but usually grows out of it and is very playful as an older parrot.
This bird is native in swamplands and savannahs as well as tropical lowland habitats across Brazil, Venezuela Guyana and South-Eastern Peru. Its vibrant green coloring is perfect to disguise itself in the forest. It lay between two and five eggs and incubates them for 24 days. After two months, the eggs are ready to fly. This species typically mates for life and is usually found in pairs.
It mostly hunts for berries, flowers fruit, nuts, seeds and leaves in its natural habitat. These birds are well-known for eating insects, too. They are also known to sit on cliffs made of clay which are believed to remove any toxins they might have picked up from their food sources.
Like other macaws, Hahn's Macaws are susceptible to self-mutilation and feather plucking, nutritional disorders, proventricular dilatation and beaks that are overgrown. A balanced diet, regular vet inspections, and a proper cage maintenance can avoid these issues.
The bird can live for up to 50 years in captivity. It is not typically sold in large pet stores however it is sold at avian-specialty shops and from bird breeders. It is intelligent to a high level, but it can be difficult for a beginner to train. It is a superb talker and can be taught to whistle, clap and dance.
Hahn's Macaws are loud and not recommended for living in apartments. They require a large cage with many steady perches, a variety of large food bowls and plenty of space for daily exercise outside their cage. They are also strong chewers and require a sturdy cage that is well-secured.
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) is a stunning large, tropical parrot. Like other members of the Macaw family it is a monogamous species that pairs for life. Tallula indigo park mollie macaw is also prone to mimicry which makes it a good companion bird.
This species is native to South America and can be found across a wide range of habitats. Cloud forests, savannas and rainforests are all habitats that could be used. The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is considered endangered by the IUCN Conservation efforts are underway to save this beautiful creature.
The birds are able to breed at the age of 3 or 4 years old. It is believed that they will pair for the rest of their lives and will remain together until one partner dies. The Blue-and Yellow macaw typically lay two to three eggs in one nest. The female is the one who incubates eggs, while the male aggressively defends the nest. When the chicks are born, they are altricial, and they are dependent on their parents for food until they become able to feather themselves and feed themselves.
In the wild, Macaws are social birds and are often seen in flocks of other parrots and Macaws. They are extremely intelligent, and are able to learn a broad variety of sounds. The Blue-and Yellow is a master flyer. Darling hahns macaw is often seen performing impressive aerial maneuvers and soaring through the forest canopy.
The Blue-and-Yellow macaw is a beautiful and charismatic creature. This is a great option for anyone who is looking for an animal that will bring joy and affection.
This bird is a beautiful large, tropical bird that is native to South America. It is a monogamous bird that can be a mate for life and has a strong tendency towards mimicry. It is prone to be a part of a human family and can learn many words and phrases.
When the Blue-and Yellow Macaw is between 3 and 4 years old, it will reach the age of breeding. Blue-and-yellow Macaws be a couple for the rest of their lives and are found in small groups. The Blue-and-Yellow species can be found in many habitats including cloud forests and savannas. The Blue-and Yellow prefers to make nests inside tree cavities which they build by using their powerful beaks. The female will lay between 2 and 3 eggs. She will then incubate them for around an entire week.