breed & species
The macaw family
Macaws come in a variety of species, each with their own personality traits and care challenges. Dee shares the most popular types:
Large macaws
• Blue-and-Gold Macaw: One of the most commonly kept species, known for being social, vocal, and highly interactive
• Scarlet Macaw: Strikingly beautiful, but often more reactive and sensitive in temperament
• Green-winged Macaw: Often described as a“ gentle giant”, typically calmer and affectionate
• Hyacinth Macaw: The world’ s largest macaw species. Exceptionally powerful, intelligent, and dependent on a highly specialised diet rich in nuts
Mini macaws
Species such as the Hahn’ s, Severe, and Yellow-collared macaws may be smaller in size, but not in personality or care requirements.
A language all their own
In the wild, macaws communicate constantly, says Dee.“ Loud calls help flock members locate one another over vast distances, especially while flying through dense forest canopies.”
But vocalisation is only part of the story. Dee explains that macaws also rely heavily on body language, feather positioning, touch, and even facial skin flushing to communicate mood and intention. Mutual preening strengthens bonds between mates and flock members, while eye pinning and posture shifts can signal excitement, stress, curiosity, or warning.
“ For macaws, silence is unusual,” says Dee.“ Communication is survival.”
Intelligence that surprises people
“ Macaws rank among the most intelligent birds on Earth,” says Dee. Studies and experienced handlers alike point to remarkable problem-solving abilities, longterm memory, and emotional awareness comparable in some ways to primates.
“ They can learn routines, associate words with meaning, recognise individuals, and make deliberate choices rather than simply react instinctively,” she explains.
Handlers often describe birds grieving the loss of companions, forming intense attachments to specific humans and rejecting others, and even appearing to“ hold grudges” after negative experiences. Some seek comfort and reassurance much like young children.
“ They don’ t just react – they think, choose, and feel,” she stresses.
Threats facing macaws
Despite their popularity, many macaw species face severe threats in the wild.“ The reality is harsh,” says Dee.“ Habitat destruction through deforestation continues to shrink nesting and feeding areas, while illegal wildlife trafficking and demand from the exotic pet trade place additional pressure on wild populations.”
Climate change is also beginning to affect food availability and breeding conditions in some regions. Several species are already considered critically endangered. www. petpals. co. za 77