Parrots are arguably some of the most fascinating creatures in the entire world.
Whether you look at their mystical physical appearances, intelligence, communication abilities, or just their pleasant personalities, parrots are incredible.
There’s a reason why parrots have increased in popularity over the last several years, with many people wondering if any colorful bird they stumble upon is a parrot.
With this in mind, is a Macaw a parrot?
To answer this question…yes, a Macaw is a parrot. Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean every single parrot is a Macaw, all it means is the 19 or so identified Macaw species fall under the parrot umbrella. Considering there are over 350 known parrot species in the entire world, Macaws only make up a fraction of the dense subject of parrot species.
Now that you know a Macaw is a parrot, you more than likely have plenty of questions related to the subject.
Keep in mind, Macaws are lovely parrots, making them one of the most popular parrots to consider adopting.
However, just like any other parrot species, there is plenty of information you should be mindful of when discussing Macaws.
Basically, if you plan on adopting a Macaw or are interested in learning more, definitely keep reading.
We’re going to discuss what makes a Macaw a parrot, if Macaws are an excellent first parrot, if they’re friendly, a good pet, and much more.
By the end of it, you’ll have a plethora of information related to Macaws that you previously didn’t know.
If you’re interested in learning more about Macaws, reach out to local avian vets, breeders, pet stores, knowledgeable friends, and online forums.
Let’s take a look!
What makes a Macaw a parrot?
As you can imagine, with any parrot species, there is a lot of diversity amongst them all.
Whether you’re talking about a Macaw or a Cockatoo, all of them vary significantly from one another.
Fortunately enough, there is plenty of information to highlight more broadly that discusses parrots as a whole.
Macaws themselves are typically huge parrots with over 19 different species known, some of which are extinct.
Macaws originated from North and South America, and are still primarily found in those areas.
As a whole, Macaws are some of the most spectacular parrots in the world with their colorful bodies and long tails.
As for what makes a parrot a parrot, all parrots have rounded beaks and four toes on each foot, which point forward with two of them going backward.
Diet-wise, they all eat seeds, nuts, fruit, buds, flowers, and even insects.
Definitely keep that in mind while you’re raising one.
Parrots are found in warm climates, since they can’t handle the cold, with the most populated areas being Australasia, Central America, and South America.
Definitely keep your household the correct temperature for your parrot, otherwise, you may run into some issues.
Parrots can’t handle the cold, so don’t try to risk it.
Is a Macaw a good first parrot?
If you’re a first-time parrot owner, it’s a good chance you are considering a Macaw.
Although Macaws are some of the most gorgeous and compelling parrots physically, they can be a handful to raise if you’re not experienced.
Thus, it’s most likely not in your best interest to adopt a parrot as a first-time parrot owner.
Macaws can be stubborn and cause a great deal of trouble if they don’t get precisely what they want.
In fact, some owners have reported their Macaw biting them when they’re upset.
If you’re inexperienced in this regard, you won’t do well trying to raise them.
Thus, you may want to consider adopting another parrot first.
Are Macaws friendly parrots?
Although Macaws can be stubborn when they don’t get their way, they’re actually much friendlier than most people realize.
Many people cite them as being like a household dog in a sense, where they’re knowledgeable, have a great willingness to learn, and are excellent at talking.
A Macaw’s big size may cause you to think otherwise with their personality, but try not to let it bother you too much.
As a whole, Macaws are basically gentle giants with an attitude issue if they’re annoyed.
Just make sure you treat them properly, and you’ll end up having an excellent parrot in your household.
Is a Macaw a good pet?
At this point, many of you might be wondering if a Macaw is a good pet.
Although we discussed their overall friendliness and potential for getting annoyed, there are many other points to consider as well.
For starters, Macaws need a lot of room due to their large size.
Always make sure you have a large enough cage and area for them to live in.
Macaws also love playing, so do what you can to ensure they have plenty of toys to keep them distracted when you’re not near them.
Outside of that, just feed and treat them right, and you’ll have an incredible parrot in return.
Also, be mindful of an avian vet that can check up on your Macaw and treat them whenever an issue arises.
How big is a Macaw compared to other parrots?
As we already mentioned, Macaws are some of the biggest parrots in the entire world.
Although there are a few smaller Macaw species out there, the average Macaw is 2 to 3.5 feet in length with a weight of 2 to 4 pounds.
Considering most parrots are nowhere near that size, it’s fairly remarkable how large a Macaw is.
How much is a Macaw for sale compared to other parrots?
Seeing as there are over 19 Macaw species, there is a relatively broad spectrum of prices associated with Macaws.
Thus, the price truly depends on what Macaw you’re interested in. Blue and Gold Macaws are $1200 to $1500, Scarlet Macaws are $2000 to $3000, Hybrid Macaws are $1000 to $5000, and Smaller Macaws are $700 to $1000.
Don’t let the hefty price sway you into your decision, seeing as Macaws are some of the best parrots in the entire world.