How to Tame a Blue Macaw and Red Macaw
Macaws generally choose their mate for life. They spend much of their time together, sharing food grooming, and taking care of young. Unfortunately, these majestic birds are on the edge of extinction in their natural habitat.
Habitat destruction by humans as well as the trade in cage birds and poaching pose a major threat to this beautiful species.
Great Green Macaw
The great green macaw (Ara ambiguus) is the largest parrot in Central America and one of the most striking birds found in the canopy of the rainforest. Its vibrant green plumage is complemented by the red of its forehead and blue on its lower back, rump, and tail feathers. The tail and wings are long and pointed that allow it to glide easily through the forest canopy. Its beak is long and sturdy, well-suited for breaking open seeds and nuts. The great green macaw is a fugivore and, as such is a key part in sustaining healthy rainforest ecosystems. Seed dispersal helps species of trees like the maiz biological tree Dipteryx Oleifera to flourish, providing food for other species of animal.
These magnificent birds are found in pairs or small groups and spend the majority of their time flying high in the forest canopy, searching for fruit, nuts, and seeds. They are well-known for nesting in hollow tree cavities which they typically line with grass and branches. Females lay up to three eggs which she will then incubate for between 26 and 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, the male assists in feeding them.
Captive great green macaws are highly intelligent and playful birds that make great companion animals. However, it is crucial to remember that these animals require plenty of space, attention and patience in order to thrive. They are known to bite and can be destructive when bored. They also are susceptible to certain health problems, like proventricular dilatation or macaw wasting.
Like many other species of tropical, great green macaws are declining. Their habitat is being degraded by mining, logging, agriculture, and cattle ranching. The illegal wildlife trade, and hunting for food are also affecting their numbers.
Protecting the habitat of these incredible creatures is the only way to ensure their survival. By creating corridors between protected areas, these creatures will be able to move freely and gain access to numerous food sources. In the end, protecting the natural habitats of these beautiful birds will help protect other endangered species who share their homes.
Blue and Gold Macaw
This beautiful bird is one of most sought-after parrots kept in captivity all over the world. It is intelligent and affectionate, as well as very active. It requires a lot of interaction and training, however, it can be a great companion if well-trained. Macaws can be aggressive if not properly trained or provided with distinct boundaries. This is why it's essential to work with a professional trainer who is aware of how to handle large birds and teach them tricks. Dave and Jamieleigh, from BirdTricks have put together an excellent video that demonstrates how to handle the Blue and Gold Macaw. They offer some tips, tricks and techniques to assist anyone who wants to train the macaw to ensure it is a pleasure to interact with. Click HERE to watch their video.
A member of the parrot family, 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. They are mostly blue in their dorsum and tail feathers with accents of yellow or gold and gradient hues of green on their heads. Their wings and wing coversts are blue with green highlights. Their feet are zygodactyl with two toes facing forward and two pointed backwards. This adaptation allows them to grasp branches easily.
They are monogamous, pair for life and remain together during breeding season. They dig up tree cavities using their powerful beaks to construct nests. They typically lay two to three eggs and incubate them for up to 25 days. When they hatch both parents feed the altricial chicks with regurgitation until they can manage on their own.
Like all macaws intelligent birds that communicate an array of emotions through a variety vocalizations. They also exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors including cocking the head and flirting with wings raised, and blushing. They can also express their emotions by swaying their tail feathers, bowing, prancing and dancing.
They are playful and love to chew toys. It is therefore recommended that owners offer a variety of durable safe bird-friendly toys that can be able to withstand the force of their jaw muscles. This will help keep their teeth healthy and stop the development of plaque and tartar.
Red-shouldered Darling hahns macaw
Often referred to as the Hahn's Ziggy Our Scarlet Macaw, this small bird is among the most intelligent macaw species available. It has a strong bond with its human counterparts and is a powerful speaker that can master many tricks. It is also calmer than other macaws. This makes it a great option for those who are worried about the sound of a noisy bird. It may be little nippy in the beginning, but usually grows out of it and is extremely playful as a mature parrot.
The bird is native to swamplands and savannahs as 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 two to five eggs and incubates them for 24 days. After two months, the eggs will be able to fly. The species usually couples for life and is typically found in pairs.
It mostly hunts to find flowers, berries, fruit, seeds, nuts, and leaves in its natural habitat. The birds are known to eat insects too. They are also known to gather close to clay cliffs. This is believed to aid in the elimination of any toxins they may have picked up while eating their usual meals.
Like other macaws Hahn's Macaws are at risk of self-mutilation, feather plucking, nutritional disorders, proventricular dilatation disease, and overgrown beaks. However, a balanced diet, regular vet checkups, and proper cage maintenance can help prevent these issues from developing.
In captivity, this bird is very social and can live up to 40 to 50 years. It isn't typically sold in large pet shops, but can be found in avian-specialty stores as well as from breeders of birds. It is intelligent, however it is difficult to train for a novice. It is a good talker, and can be trained to whistle or clap, as well as dance.
Hahn's Macaws are noisy and not recommended for living in apartments. They require a huge cage with plenty of perches as well as food bowls. They should also be able to exercise regularly outside the cage. They are also very strong chewers and need cages that are safe.
Blue-and-yellow harlequin macaw
The Blue-and Yellow Macaw is a large, beautiful tropical parrot. Like the other members of the Macaw family, this bird is a monogamous species that pairs for life. It also has a strong inclination towards mimicry which makes it a great companion bird.
This species is native to South America, and can be found in diverse habitats. Cloud forests, savannas, and rainforests are all possible habitats. The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is deemed to be endangered by the IUCN, and conservation efforts are underway to protect this beautiful creature.
The birds reach their breeding age at between 3 and 4 years old. It is known that they are a pair for life and will stay together until one of them dies. The Blue-and-yellow macaw usually will lay between two and three eggs in one nest. The eggs are hatched by the female and male, while the female will defend the nest. After the chicks hatch, they become altricial and they are dependent on their parents for food until they are able to feather themselves and feed themselves.
In the wild the birds are social animals and be seen in groups with other Macaws and other species of parrots. They are intelligent and learn a variety of sounds. The Blue-and-Yellow is a master flyer. It is observed performing amazing aerial maneuvers, and soaring through forest canopy.
The Blue-and-Yellow macaw is a stunning and captivating creature. It is an excellent option for those looking for a pet who will bring joy and companionship.
This gorgeous large tropical parrot is native to South America. It is a monogamous bird that mates for life, and has a strong tendency towards mimicry. It also has an tendency to form bonds with humans, and can learn the meaning of a variety of words and phrases.
When the Blue-and-Yellow Darling hahns macaw is between 3 and 4 years old, it reaches breeding age. The Blue-and-yellow pair will last for the rest of their lives, and is believed to live in small family groups. The Blue-and Yellow can be found in many habitats that include cloud forests, savannas rainforests, and jungles. The Blue-and-Yellow prefers build nests in cavities in trees which they build with their powerful beaks. Females lay a couple of eggs, and will incubate them for around 1 month.