Difference between revisions of "Macaw" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Macaws''' are large, colorful New World [[parrot]]s, classified into six of the many [[Psittacidae]] [[genus|genera]]: '''''Ara''''', '''''Anodorhynchus''''', '''''Cyanopsitta''''', '''''Primolius''''', '''''Orthopsittaca''''', and '''''Diopsittaca'''''.  They are the largest birds in the parrot family in length and wingspan, though the flightless [[Kakapo]] is heavier.  
+
A '''macaw''' is any [[parrot]] (family Psittacidae) belonging to one of six [[genus|genera]]: '''''Ara''''', '''''Anodorhynchus''''', '''''Cyanopsitta''''', '''''Primolius''''', '''''Orthopsittaca''''', and '''''Diopsittaca'''''.  They are native to [[Mexico]], the [[Caribbean]], and [[Central America|Central]] and tropical [[South America]], and are known as ''araras'' in Portuguese and ''guacamayos'' in Spanish.  
  
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They are native to [[Mexico]], [[Central America|Central]] and tropical [[South America]], and the [[Caribbean]]. Most species are associated with forest, especially [[rainforest]], but others prefer woodland or [[savanna]]-like habitats.
+
Macaws are known for their often colorful plumage.  
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−
 
 
−
They are called ''guacamayos'' in [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and ''araras'' in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]].  
 
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
[[Image:Scarlet Macaw.jpg|thumb|240px|right|Two scarlet macaws]]
+
Parrots or psittacines is an order (Psittaciformes) of [[bird]]s that includes over 350 known [[species]]. They are usually grouped into two families: the [[Cockatoo|Cacatuidae]] (cockatoo), and the [[true parrots|Psittacidae]] (true parrots). Macaws are members of the true parrots.
−
[[Image:Hyacinth_Macaw_-_Nashville_Zoo.jpg|240px|right|Hyacinth macaw]]
 
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'''Parrots''' or psittacines is an [[order (biology)|order]] (namely '''Psittaciformes''') of birds that includes over 350 known [[species]]. They are usually grouped into two [[family (biology)|families]]: the [[Cockatoo|Cacatuidae]] (cockatoo), and the [[true parrots|Psittacidae]] (true parrots). Macaws are members of the true parrots.
 
  
 
Like other parrots, macaws have a generally erect stance and a characteristic curved beak shape with the upper mandible having slight mobility in the joint with the skull. Parrots also are  zygodactyl, having four toes on each foot, with two toes at the front of each foot and two at the back.
 
Like other parrots, macaws have a generally erect stance and a characteristic curved beak shape with the upper mandible having slight mobility in the joint with the skull. Parrots also are  zygodactyl, having four toes on each foot, with two toes at the front of each foot and two at the back.
  
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Macaws have very long tails, large and strong curved beaks, and usually brilliant plumage. The largest macaw is the hyacinth macaw (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus''), which reaches 100 centimeters (almost 40 inches) in head and body length and 1.4 to 1.7 kilograms (3 to 3.7 pounds) in weight, and the smallest is the red-shouldered macaw, which reaches 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) in length and 129 to 169 grams (4.5 to 5.9 ounces) in weight (San Diego Zoo 2007). The hyacinth macaw's wingspan is more than four feet (San Diego Zoo 2007).
+
[[Image:Scarlet Macaw.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Two scarlet macaws]]
 +
Macaws have very long tails, large and strong beaks, and usually brilliant plumage. In terms of length and wingspan, the macaws include the largest birds in the parrot family, although the flightless Kakapo is heavier (Marshall 2006). The largest macaw is the hyacinth macaw (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus''), which reaches 100 centimeters (almost 40 inches) in head and body length and 1.4 to 1.7 kilograms (3 to 3.7 pounds) in weight; the smallest is the red-shouldered macaw, which reaches 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) in length and 129 to 169 grams (4.5 to 5.9 ounces) in weight (San Diego Zoo 2007). The hyacinth macaw's wingspan is more than four feet (San Diego Zoo 2007).
  
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Macaws eat a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and even insects, and snails. Their powerful beaks allow some species to crush very hard nuts, such as the Brazil nuts (and sometimes even through the metal bars of cages). Some macaws are known to eat clay as an antidote to the toxic chemicals in the seeds or fruits they eat. Scientists have found out that the chemicals in clay mix with the poison allowing it to pass through the bird's [[Gastrointestinal tract|digestive system]] unharmed.  
+
Macaws eat a variety of [[fruit]]s, nuts, seeds, flowers, and even [[insect]]s and [[snail]]s. Their powerful beaks allow some species to crush very hard nuts, such as the Brazil nuts (and sometimes even through the metal bars of cages). Some macaws are known to eat [[clay]] as an antidote to the toxic chemicals in the seeds or fruits they eat. Scientists have found out that the chemicals in clay mix with the poison allowing it to pass through the bird's [[Gastrointestinal tract|digestive system]] unharmed.  
  
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Macaws are known for their beautiful colors. They are also considered to be intelligent.
+
Macaws are [[monogamy|monogamous]] and usually pair bond until one of them dies. After the eggs are laid, the mother incubates until the chicks hatch while the father brings food. Macaws have a life span of about 50 years, but there are longer lived macaws (Marshall 2006, San Diego Zoo 2007).  
  
−
Macaws have been said to live for up to 100 years; however, an average of 50 years is probably more accurate. The larger macaws may live up to 65 years.
+
Many species of macaw are associated with forest, especially [[rainforest]], although others prefer woodland or [[savanna]]-like habitats (Marshall 2006). The [[Pantanal]] of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, known as the world's largest wetland, is home to the blue and yellow macaw (''Ara ararauna''), green winged macaw (''Ara chloroptera''), red-shouldered macaw (''ara nobilis''), and remains one of the best envrironments to see the endangered hyacinthin macaw (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'') (Swarts 2000). Various reports put the scarlet macaw (''Ara macao''), just outside the Pantanal boundaries, but in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Swarts 2000).
  
−
Macaws are monogamous and usually pair bond until one of them dies. AFter the eggs are laid, the mother incubates until the chicks hatch while the father brings food.
+
==Species in taxonomic order==
 +
The following list of macaw species includes some currently known to be extinct in the wild, (Spix's macaw), extinct overall (Cuban red macaw, Saint Croix macaw), and believed to be extinct (glaucous macaw).
  
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==Species in taxonomic order==
 
 
*''Anodorhynchus''
 
*''Anodorhynchus''
−
**''Anodorhynchus glaucus'' : [[Glaucous Macaw]]
+
**''Anodorhynchus glaucus'' : [[Glaucous macaw]]
−
**''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'' : [[Hyacinth Macaw]]
+
**''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'' : [[Hyacinth macaw]]
−
**''Anodorhynchus leari'' : Indigo Macaw or [[Lear's Macaw]]
+
**''Anodorhynchus leari'' : Indigo macaw or [[Lear's macaw]]
 
*''Cyanopsitta''
 
*''Cyanopsitta''
−
**''Cyanopsitta spixii'' : Little Blue Macaw or [[Spix's Macaw]]
+
**''Cyanopsitta spixii'' : Little blue macaw or [[Spix's macaw]]
 
*''Ara''
 
*''Ara''
−
**''Ara ararauna'' : [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw]]
+
**''Ara ararauna'' : [[Blue-and-yellow macaw]]
−
**''Ara glaucogularis'' : [[Blue-throated Macaw]]
+
**''Ara glaucogularis'' : [[Blue-throated macaw]]
−
**''Ara militaris'' : [[Military Macaw]]
+
**''Ara militaris'' : [[Military macaw]]
−
**''Ara ambiguus'' : Buffon's Macaw or [[Great Green Macaw]]
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**''Ara ambiguus'' : Buffon's macaw or [[great green macaw]]
−
**''Ara macao'' : [[Scarlet Macaw]] or Aracanga
+
**''Ara macao'' : [[Scarlet macaw]] or aracanga
−
**''Ara chloroptera'' : Greenwing Macaw or [[Red-and-green Macaw]]
+
**''Ara chloroptera'' : Greenwing macaw or [[red-and-green macaw]]
−
**''Ara rubrogenys'' : [[Red-fronted Macaw]]
+
**''Ara rubrogenys'' : [[Red-fronted macaw]]
−
**''Ara severa'' : [[Chestnut-fronted Macaw]] or Severe Macaw
+
**''Ara severa'' : [[Chestnut-fronted macaw]] or severe macaw
−
**''Ara atwoodi'' : [[Dominican Green-and-Yellow Macaw]]
+
**''Ara atwoodi'' : Dominican green-and-yellow macaw
−
**''Ara erythrocephala'' : [[Jamaican Green-and-Yellow Macaw]]
+
**''Ara erythrocephala'' : Jamaican green-and-yellow macaw
−
**''Ara gossei'' : [[Jamaican Red Macaw]]
+
**''Ara gossei'' : Jamaican red macaw
−
**''Ara guadeloupensis'' : [[Lesser Antillean Macaw]]
+
**''Ara guadeloupensis'' : Lesser Antillean macaw
−
**''Ara tricolor'' : [[Cuban Red Macaw]]
+
**''Ara tricolor'' : [[Cuban red macaw]]
−
**''Ara autocthones'' : [[Saint Croix Macaw]]<ref name=forshaw>{{cite book | first= Joseph Michael| last= Forshaw| year= 1973, 1981| title= Parrots of the World}}</ref>
+
**''Ara autocthones'' : Saint Croix macaw (Forshaw 1873)
 
*''Orthopsittaca''  
 
*''Orthopsittaca''  
−
**''Orthopsittaca manilata'' : [[Red-bellied Macaw]]
+
**''Orthopsittaca manilata'' : [[Red-bellied macaw]]
 
*''Primolius ''
 
*''Primolius ''
−
**''Primolius couloni'' : [[Blue-headed Macaw]]
+
**''Primolius couloni'' : [[Blue-headed macaw]]
−
**''Primolius maracana'' : Illiger's Macaw or [[Blue-winged Macaw]]
+
**''Primolius maracana'' : Illiger's macaw or [[blue-winged macaw]]
−
**''Primolius auricollis'' : [[Golden-collared Macaw]]
+
**''Primolius auricollis'' : [[Golden-collared macaw]]
 
*''Diopsittaca''
 
*''Diopsittaca''
−
**''Diopsittaca nobilis'' : [[Red-shouldered Macaw]] or Hahn's Macaw
+
**''Diopsittaca nobilis'' : [[Red-shouldered macaw]] or Hahn's macaw
−
 
 
−
Spix's Macaw is now considered to be extinct in the wild, and the Glaucous Macaw is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century (Marshall 2006).
 
−
 
 
−
The '''Spix's Macaw''' (''Cyanopsitta spixii'') is the only member of the [[parrot]] genus '''''Cyanopsitta'''''. This [[macaw]] was found in Brazil, in the north part of the state [[Bahia, Brazil|Bahia]]. The species probably went extinct in the wild around 2000, when the last known wild bird died <ref name=BirdLife>[http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1546&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]</ref>, however, there is a captive population of some 68 individuals <ref name=BirdLife>[http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1546&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]</ref><ref>[http://www.umich.edu/~esupdate/marchapril2000/schischakin.htm University of Michigan] The Spix's Macaw</ref><ref name=AlWabra>Al Wabra Annual Report 2005</ref>.
 
  
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Previously, the members of the genus ''Primolius'' were placed in ''Propyrrhura'', but the former is correct as per [[ICZN]] rules<ref>[http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop177.html South American Classification Committee] To reassign the genus of three macaws.</ref>.
+
Previously, the members of the genus ''Primolius'' were placed in ''Propyrrhura'', but the former is correct as per International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) rules.
  
 
==Status==
 
==Status==
−
The majority of macaws are now endangered in the wild. Five species are already extinct, and [[Spix's Macaw]] is now considered to be [[Extinction|extinct in the wild]]. The [[Glaucous Macaw]] is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century. The greatest problems threatening the macaw population are the rapid rate of [[deforestation]] and the illegal trapping of birds for the bird trade.
+
[[Image:Hyacinth_Macaw_-_Nashville_Zoo.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Hyacinth macaw]]
 +
The majority of macaws are now [[endangered species|endangered]] in the wild. Five species are already known to be extinct, and [[Spix's Macaw]] is now considered to be [[extinction|extinct in the wild]], and the [[glaucous macaw]] is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century (Marshall 2006). The greatest problems threatening the macaw population are the rapid rate of [[deforestation]] and the illegal trapping of birds for the bird trade.
  
 +
The ''Spix's macaw'' (''Cyanopsitta spixii''), the only member of the [[parrot]] genus ''Cyanopsitta'', probably went extinct in the wild around 2000, when the last known wild bird died; however, there is a captive population of some 68 individuals (BirdLife 2006), .
  
 +
The ''Cuban Red Macaw'', ''Ara tricolor'', is an extinct species that formerly occurred on [[Cuba]] and the [[Isla de la Juventud]], and was common in the early 19th century.  However, loss of habitat due to widespread deforestation, as well as hunting and plundering of nests for young birds for pets let to its extinction before the 20th century.
  
−
The '''Cuban Red Macaw''', ''Ara tricolor'', is an [[extinct]] [[parrot]] that formerly occurred on [[Cuba]] and the [[Isla de la Juventud]]. It was a rather small species of ''Ara'' [[macaw]], measuring 45 - 50 cm. A pair was kept in the royal [[menagerie]] of [[Schönbrunn Castle]], [[Vienna]], from [[1760]]. The Cuban Red Macaw was reasonably common around [[1800]]. During the early [[19th century]], the human population in its home range increased dramatically, leading to widespread deforestation. The bird was also hunted for food, and nests were plundered or disturbed to acquire young birds to keep as pets. Until [[1849]], the species seems to have been able to hold its own at least in remote areas, but subsequently, the population crashed never to recover.
+
The problem with illegal trafficking in macaws is clear when it is realized that a single hyacinthin macaw can fetch US$6,500 to US$12,000 in the United States (Swarts 2000). In February of 1999, authorities interdicted an effort to smuggle 24 hyacinthin macaw eggs from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Pennsylvania, with the value of the eggs estimated at US$10,000 each (Swarts 2000).
−
 
 
  
 
==Birds in captivity==
 
==Birds in captivity==
−
Macaws eat nuts and fruit. They also gnaw and chew on various objects. They show a large amount of intelligence in their behaviour and require constant intellectual stimulation to satisfy their innate curiosity.  
+
Parrot in general make popular pets. However, macaws, with their powerful jaws and large amount of intelligence can be difficult pets. They gnaw and chew on various objects and require constant intellectual stimulation to satisfy their innate curiosity. Used to bonding for life with a mate, in captivity unmated macaws will bond primarily with one person&ndash;their keeper. Pet macaws thrive on frequent interaction, and a lack of this can lead to their mental and physical suffering.   
−
 
 
−
'''Bonding:'''  In captivity unmated macaws will bond primarily with one person &ndash; their keeper. Pet macaws thrive on frequent interaction, and a lack of this can lead to their mental and physical suffering.   
 
−
 
 
−
Other sub-bondings also take place and most macaws that are subjected to non-aggressive behavior will trust most humans, and can be handled even by strangers if someone familiar is also alongside.
 
  
 
Captive pet macaws sometimes display difficult behavior, the most common being biting, screaming, and [[feather-plucking]]. Feather-plucking does not normally occur in the wild, strongly suggesting that it is the result of a [[neurosis]] related to life in captivity.  
 
Captive pet macaws sometimes display difficult behavior, the most common being biting, screaming, and [[feather-plucking]]. Feather-plucking does not normally occur in the wild, strongly suggesting that it is the result of a [[neurosis]] related to life in captivity.  
  
−
Most pet macaws had ancestors living in the wild just two or three generations ago, and are not truly [[domesticated]] by any reasonable definition. (This is unlike, for example, [[dogs]]; some estimates put the [[domestication]] of [[dogs]] as far back as 40,000 years ago.)
+
Most pet macaws had ancestors living in the wild just two or three generations ago, and are not truly domesticated by any reasonable definition. (This is unlike, for example, [[dog]]s; some estimates put the domestication of dogs as far back as 40,000 years ago.)
  
−
All species of macaws have very powerful, large beaks and are capable of causing considerable harm to both children and adults. They tend to be extremely loud: their voices are designed to carry over long distances. This makes macaws very demanding birds to keep as a household pet.  Additional complications arise from the intelligence levels of macaws and their negative responses to stimuli people generally use on domestic pets.   
+
All species of macaws have very powerful, large beaks. Just as they a capable of cracking nuts with those jaws, they can harm fingers and even knuckles of children and adults. They can also be very loud.   
  
−
[[International trade]] in Macaws is illegal under the [[CITES]] agreement. Only captive born birds may be sold as pets.
+
International trade in macaws is illegal under the [[CITES]] agreement. Only captive born birds may be sold as pets.
  
−
==Hybrids==
+
A common trend in recent years is hybridizing macaws for the pet trade. Hybrids are typical macaws, with the only difference from true species being their genetics and their colors. For example, a hybrid may be made between ''Ara ararauna'' and ''Ara chloroptera'', or between ''Ara ararauna'' and ''Ara macao''. As a number of species of macaws are endangered, it would be beneficial to maintain pure breeding stock of captive macaws to ensure species preservation.  Hybridizing dilutes the available [[gene pool]] and could hasten a species extinction.
−
A common trend in recent years is hybridising macaws for the pet trade. Hybrids are typical macaws, with the only difference from true species being their genetics and their colors. They tend to have intermediate characteristics of the parents', though the appearance seems to be influenced more by the father's genes. As for their temperament and behaviour, they seem to inherit traits of both parents. Common hybrids include Harlequins (''[[Blue-and-yellow Macaw|Ara ararauna]] x [[Red-and-green Macaw|chloroptera]]'') and Catalinas (known as Rainbows in Australia, ''[[Blue-and-yellow Macaw|A. ararauna]] x [[Scarlet Macaw|macao]]'').<ref>[http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/macaws/information/hybrid.htm Macaws, Hybrid Names], and pages on individual hybrids</ref>  As a number of species of macaws are endangered, it would be beneficial to maintain pure breeding stock of captive macaws to ensure species preservation.  Hybridizing dilutes the available [[gene pool]] and could hasten a species extinction.
 
  
  
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http://www.avianweb.com/macawsinfo.htm Macaws
 
http://www.avianweb.com/macawsinfo.htm Macaws
  
 +
<ref name=forshaw>{{cite book | first= Joseph Michael| last= Forshaw| year= 1973, 1981| title= Parrots of the World}}</ref>
 +
 +
BirdLife. 2006. >[http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1546&m=0 Spix's Macaw - BirdLife Species Factsheet]
 +
 +
* Swarts, F. A. 2000. The Pantanal is the 21st Century: For the planet's largest wetland, an uncertain future. In F. A. Swarts (ed.) ''The Pantanal''. St. Paul, M.N.: Paragon House. ISBN 1557787913.
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 18:17, 15 April 2007

Macaws
Blue-and-gold Macaw
Blue-and-gold Macaw
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genera

Ara
Anodorhynchus
Cyanopsitta
Primolius
Orthopsittaca
Diopsittaca

A macaw is any parrot (family Psittacidae) belonging to one of six genera: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. They are native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and tropical South America, and are known as araras in Portuguese and guacamayos in Spanish.

Macaws are known for their often colorful plumage.

Description

Parrots or psittacines is an order (Psittaciformes) of birds that includes over 350 known species. They are usually grouped into two families: the Cacatuidae (cockatoo), and the Psittacidae (true parrots). Macaws are members of the true parrots.

Like other parrots, macaws have a generally erect stance and a characteristic curved beak shape with the upper mandible having slight mobility in the joint with the skull. Parrots also are zygodactyl, having four toes on each foot, with two toes at the front of each foot and two at the back.

Two scarlet macaws

Macaws have very long tails, large and strong beaks, and usually brilliant plumage. In terms of length and wingspan, the macaws include the largest birds in the parrot family, although the flightless Kakapo is heavier (Marshall 2006). The largest macaw is the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), which reaches 100 centimeters (almost 40 inches) in head and body length and 1.4 to 1.7 kilograms (3 to 3.7 pounds) in weight; the smallest is the red-shouldered macaw, which reaches 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) in length and 129 to 169 grams (4.5 to 5.9 ounces) in weight (San Diego Zoo 2007). The hyacinth macaw's wingspan is more than four feet (San Diego Zoo 2007).

Macaws eat a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and even insects and snails. Their powerful beaks allow some species to crush very hard nuts, such as the Brazil nuts (and sometimes even through the metal bars of cages). Some macaws are known to eat clay as an antidote to the toxic chemicals in the seeds or fruits they eat. Scientists have found out that the chemicals in clay mix with the poison allowing it to pass through the bird's digestive system unharmed.

Macaws are monogamous and usually pair bond until one of them dies. After the eggs are laid, the mother incubates until the chicks hatch while the father brings food. Macaws have a life span of about 50 years, but there are longer lived macaws (Marshall 2006, San Diego Zoo 2007).

Many species of macaw are associated with forest, especially rainforest, although others prefer woodland or savanna-like habitats (Marshall 2006). The Pantanal of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, known as the world's largest wetland, is home to the blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), green winged macaw (Ara chloroptera), red-shouldered macaw (ara nobilis), and remains one of the best envrironments to see the endangered hyacinthin macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) (Swarts 2000). Various reports put the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), just outside the Pantanal boundaries, but in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Swarts 2000).

Species in taxonomic order

The following list of macaw species includes some currently known to be extinct in the wild, (Spix's macaw), extinct overall (Cuban red macaw, Saint Croix macaw), and believed to be extinct (glaucous macaw).

  • Anodorhynchus
    • Anodorhynchus glaucus : Glaucous macaw
    • Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus : Hyacinth macaw
    • Anodorhynchus leari : Indigo macaw or Lear's macaw
  • Cyanopsitta
    • Cyanopsitta spixii : Little blue macaw or Spix's macaw
  • Ara
    • Ara ararauna : Blue-and-yellow macaw
    • Ara glaucogularis : Blue-throated macaw
    • Ara militaris : Military macaw
    • Ara ambiguus : Buffon's macaw or great green macaw
    • Ara macao : Scarlet macaw or aracanga
    • Ara chloroptera : Greenwing macaw or red-and-green macaw
    • Ara rubrogenys : Red-fronted macaw
    • Ara severa : Chestnut-fronted macaw or severe macaw
    • Ara atwoodi : Dominican green-and-yellow macaw
    • Ara erythrocephala : Jamaican green-and-yellow macaw
    • Ara gossei : Jamaican red macaw
    • Ara guadeloupensis : Lesser Antillean macaw
    • Ara tricolor : Cuban red macaw
    • Ara autocthones : Saint Croix macaw (Forshaw 1873)
  • Orthopsittaca
    • Orthopsittaca manilata : Red-bellied macaw
  • Primolius
    • Primolius couloni : Blue-headed macaw
    • Primolius maracana : Illiger's macaw or blue-winged macaw
    • Primolius auricollis : Golden-collared macaw
  • Diopsittaca
    • Diopsittaca nobilis : Red-shouldered macaw or Hahn's macaw

Previously, the members of the genus Primolius were placed in Propyrrhura, but the former is correct as per International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) rules.

Status

Hyacinth macaw

The majority of macaws are now endangered in the wild. Five species are already known to be extinct, and Spix's Macaw is now considered to be extinct in the wild, and the glaucous macaw is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century (Marshall 2006). The greatest problems threatening the macaw population are the rapid rate of deforestation and the illegal trapping of birds for the bird trade.

The Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), the only member of the parrot genus Cyanopsitta, probably went extinct in the wild around 2000, when the last known wild bird died; however, there is a captive population of some 68 individuals (BirdLife 2006), .

The Cuban Red Macaw, Ara tricolor, is an extinct species that formerly occurred on Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud, and was common in the early 19th century. However, loss of habitat due to widespread deforestation, as well as hunting and plundering of nests for young birds for pets let to its extinction before the 20th century.

The problem with illegal trafficking in macaws is clear when it is realized that a single hyacinthin macaw can fetch US$6,500 to US$12,000 in the United States (Swarts 2000). In February of 1999, authorities interdicted an effort to smuggle 24 hyacinthin macaw eggs from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Pennsylvania, with the value of the eggs estimated at US$10,000 each (Swarts 2000).

Birds in captivity

Parrot in general make popular pets. However, macaws, with their powerful jaws and large amount of intelligence can be difficult pets. They gnaw and chew on various objects and require constant intellectual stimulation to satisfy their innate curiosity. Used to bonding for life with a mate, in captivity unmated macaws will bond primarily with one person–their keeper. Pet macaws thrive on frequent interaction, and a lack of this can lead to their mental and physical suffering.

Captive pet macaws sometimes display difficult behavior, the most common being biting, screaming, and feather-plucking. Feather-plucking does not normally occur in the wild, strongly suggesting that it is the result of a neurosis related to life in captivity.

Most pet macaws had ancestors living in the wild just two or three generations ago, and are not truly domesticated by any reasonable definition. (This is unlike, for example, dogs; some estimates put the domestication of dogs as far back as 40,000 years ago.)

All species of macaws have very powerful, large beaks. Just as they a capable of cracking nuts with those jaws, they can harm fingers and even knuckles of children and adults. They can also be very loud.

International trade in macaws is illegal under the CITES agreement. Only captive born birds may be sold as pets.

A common trend in recent years is hybridizing macaws for the pet trade. Hybrids are typical macaws, with the only difference from true species being their genetics and their colors. For example, a hybrid may be made between Ara ararauna and Ara chloroptera, or between Ara ararauna and Ara macao. As a number of species of macaws are endangered, it would be beneficial to maintain pure breeding stock of captive macaws to ensure species preservation. Hybridizing dilutes the available gene pool and could hasten a species extinction.


Gallery

  • Blue and Gold Macaws (Ara ararauna)

  • Military Macaw (Ara militaris)

  • A Scarlet Macaw

  • Golden-collared Macaw

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Abramson, J., Speer, B. L., & Thomsen, J.B. 1999, "The Large Macaws, Their Care and Breeding", Raintree Publications:CA

San Deigo Zoo. 2007. Birds: Macaw. San Diego Zoo's Animal Bytes. Retrieved April 15, 2007.

Dr. Rob Marshall 2006 http://www.avianweb.com/macawsinfo.htm Macaws

[1]

BirdLife. 2006. >Spix's Macaw - BirdLife Species Factsheet

  • Swarts, F. A. 2000. The Pantanal is the 21st Century: For the planet's largest wetland, an uncertain future. In F. A. Swarts (ed.) The Pantanal. St. Paul, M.N.: Paragon House. ISBN 1557787913.

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  1. ↑ Forshaw, Joseph Michael (1973, 1981). Parrots of the World. 
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