How to Tame a Blue Macaw and Red Macaw
Macaws typically pick a mate for life and spend the majority of their time together, sharing food grooming and caring for young. Unfortunately, these majestic birds are teetering near the edge of extinction in their natural habitat.
Habitat destruction caused by humans, the cage bird trade and poaching are all major threats to this beautiful species.
Great Green Macaw
The magnificent green Macaw (Ara-ambiguus) is among the largest parrots of Central America. It is also among the most striking and vibrant birds that live in the rainforest canopy. Its green plumage is highlighted by the red on its forehead, blue on its lower back, and tail feathers. The long pointed wings and tail allow it to easily maneuver through forest canopy. Its large, strong beak can break open nuts and seeds. The great green Macaw is a predator and, as such plays a significant role in maintaining healthy rainforest ecologies. Seed dispersal is a key factor in helping tree species like the maiz-based tree Dipteryxoleifera grow, providing food to other animal species.
The majestic birds are typically found in pairs or small groups and spend most of their time in the canopy of the forest searching for fruit, nuts and seeds. They are known to nest in hollow tree cavities which they typically line with grass and branches. Females will lay between two and three eggs that she will incubate for between 26 and 28 days. After the chicks hatch males help feed them.
Captive great green macaws are highly intelligent and playful birds that make excellent companion animals. It is essential to keep in mind that these birds need plenty of space, patience, and attention to thrive. They can bite and be destructive if bored. They are also susceptible to certain health issues, including proventricular dilatation as well as macaw wasting disease.
The great green macaw is in decline as are many other tropical species. Their habitat is being destroyed by mining, logging and agriculture as well as cattle ranching. Their numbers are also impacted by illegal wildlife trade and hunting for food.
Protecting the habitat of these amazing creatures is the only way to ensure their survival. By creating corridors between protected zones, these animals will be able to move freely and gain access to numerous sources of food. In the end, safeguarding the natural habitats of these beautiful birds can aid in protecting other species who share their homes.
Blue and Gold Macaw
This gorgeous bird is among the most sought-after parrots in captivity all over the world. It is intelligent, affectionate and very active. It requires lots of interaction and training, but it can be a great companion if well-trained. Macaws can be aggressive if not properly trained or given clear boundaries. It is crucial to hire an experienced trainer who knows how to handle large bird and is able to teach tricks. Dave and Jamieleigh from BirdTricks have come up with an excellent video that demonstrates how to hand-tame the Blue and Gold Macaw. They share some tricks, tips and methods that can help anyone train their macaws to be friendly and fun to play with. Check out their video HERE.
A parrot species in the family, blue and gold macaws are neotropical birds native to forest (especially in varzea areas) and woodland and savannah habitats of tropical Central America and South America as in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. The macaws have a mainly blue dorsum with tail feathers and gradient shades of green on their head. They also have accents of yellow or gold. Their wings and wing coverts are blue with green highlights. Their feet are zygodactyl and have two toes facing forward and two facing backward. This adaptation allows them to grab branches with ease.
Monogamous birds pair for life, and they remain together during breeding season. They build their nests in tree cavities that they excavate with their strong beaks. They usually lay two or three eggs and then incubate them for 25 days. After hatching both parents feed the chicks with regurgitation until they are able to manage themselves.
They are intelligent birds who communicate a wide range emotions through a variety of vocalizations. They also display a variety courtship behaviors, including cocking their head, flirting with raised wings, and blushing. They can also express their emotions by shaking their tail feathers and bowing, prancing, and bouncing.
They are playful and love to chew toys. As such, it is recommended that owners provide plenty of bird-safe, durable toys that can stand up to their powerful jaw muscles. This will help keep their teeth in good condition and prevent them from developing excessive tartar and plaque.
Red-shouldered Macaw
This small bird, also known as the Hahn's Macaw is one of the most intelligent macaws. It has a strong bond with humans and is a powerful talker who can master a variety of tricks. It is also a lot more tranquil than other macaws. This makes it a good option for those who are worried about a loud bird. It is little nippy in the beginning, but usually grows out of it and can be extremely playful as a mature parrot.
This bird is found in swamplands and savannahs as well as tropical lowland habitats throughout Brazil, Venezuela Guyana and South-Eastern Peru. Its bright green color is perfect to hide in the foliage. It lays between two and five eggs and then incubates them for 24 days. After about two months the chicks are ready to grow. This species typically mates for life and is usually seen in pairs.
It is primarily hunting in search of flowers, berries fruit, nuts, seeds, and leaves in its natural habitat. The birds are known to eat insects, too. They are also known to congregate on cliffs of clay which are believed to help remove any toxins they may have picked up from their food sources.
Like other macaws Hahn's Macaws are at risk of self-mutilation and feather plucking, nutritional disorders, proventricular dilatation disease and beaks that are overgrown. A balanced diet, regular vet checks, and proper cage maintenance can avoid these issues.
The bird can live up to 50 years in the wild. It isn't typically available in pet stores that are large but it is sold at avian-specialty shops and from bird breeders. It is intelligent, however it is difficult to train a beginner. It is a very good speaker, and can be trained to whistle and clap as well as dance.
Hahn's Macaws are extremely noisy and are not recommended for apartments living. They require a large cage with a variety of steady perches, several large food bowls, and plenty of opportunities to exercise regularly outside of their cage. They are also powerful chewers and require a cage that is sturdy and is secure.
Blue and yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is a large, beautiful tropical parrot. Like all Macaws is monogamous and pairs for life. It also has an tendency to mimic which makes it a great companion bird.
This species is native to South America, and can be found in diverse habitats. These include cloud forests, savannas and rainforests. The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is considered endangered by the IUCN and buy-macaw.com conservation efforts are underway to save this magnificent animal.
The birds are able to breed once they reach the age of 3 or 4 years old. It is believed that they pair for life and will stay together until one partner dies. The blue-and-yellow macaw will lay between two and three eggs in each nest. The eggs are incubated by the female and males will fight for the nest. After the chicks hatch, they are altricial and rely on their parents for food until they can feather themselves and begin to feed themselves.
In the wild they are social creatures and will spend time in groups with other Macaws and other species of parrots. They are intelligent and learn many sounds. The Blue-and-Yellow is an expert flyer. It is observed performing amazing aerial maneuvers and soaring through the forest canopy.
The Blue-and Yellow Macaw is a beautiful and charismatic creature. It is a great option for those seeking a pet that will bring joy and companionship.
This gorgeous large tropical parrot is native to South America. It is monogamous and is a lifelong mate and has a tendency toward mimicry. It is inclined to form bonds with humans and is able to learn a variety of words and phrases.
The Blue-and Yellow Macaw is breeding when it is between 3 and 4 years old. The Blue-and Yellow will pair for life and is believed to live in small family groups. The Blue-and-Yellow species can be found in a variety of habitats including cloud forests and savannas. The Blue-and-Yellow prefers build nests in tree cavities, which they create by using their powerful beaks. Females will lay 2 to 3 eggs, and will incubate the clutch for approximately one month.