Macaws

Macaws are some of the most colorful birds on Earth. They can be blue, yellow, red, green, or a mix of many bright colors. These large parrots have strong beaks and long tail feathers. Macaws live in the rainforests of the Americas. They are smart birds that can learn to copy human words.

Rainbow Feathers

Macaws come in many amazing colors. The scarlet macaw is red, blue, and yellow. The hyacinth macaw is deep blue and is the biggest parrot in the world. Their bright feathers help them find each other in the green rainforest. Macaws also have bare patches of skin on their faces.

Strong Beaks and Smart Brains

Macaws have very strong, curved beaks that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. Their beaks are so strong they can break a Brazil nut shell. Macaws also use their beaks like a third foot to climb trees. They are very clever birds and can solve puzzles. In the wild, they eat fruits, nuts, leaves, and flowers.

Flying Families

Macaws live in big groups called flocks. They fly together and talk to each other with loud squawks and calls. Macaws pick one partner and stay with them for their whole life. They build nests in holes high up in tree trunks. Baby macaws stay with their parents for many months while they learn to fly.

Fun Facts

• Macaws can live to be over 50 years old.
• They often gather at clay licks to eat clay, which helps their stomachs.
• The hyacinth macaw can be over 3 feet long from head to tail.

Did You Know?

Macaws can mimic human voices, barking dogs, and even ringing phones when they live with people.