How to Tame a Blue Macaw and Red Macaw
Macaws generally choose an mate for life and spend much of their time together sharing food grooming, and taking care of young. Unfortunately, these magnificent bird species are on the verge of disappearing.
The poaching of this beautiful bird species, habitat destruction by humans and the trade in cages for birds are all threats.
Great Green Macaw
The great green macaw (Ara ambiguus) is the largest parrot in Central America and one of the most striking birds in the canopy of the rainforest. Its green plumage is accented by the red on its forehead and blue on its lower back, and tail feathers. Its wings and tail are both long and pointed which allows it to move effortlessly through the forest canopy. Its beak is long and sturdy, well-suited to break open seeds and nuts. The great green Macaw is a frugivore and, as such, plays an important part in sustaining healthy ecosystems of the rainforest. Its seed dispersal helps species of trees such as the maiz biological Tree Dipteryxoleifera thrive and provide food to other animal species.
The majestic birds are generally found in pairs or small groups. They spend most of their time in the canopy of the forest looking for fruits, nuts and seeds. Nests are usually found in hollow tree cavities which they line with branches or grass. Females will lay between two and three eggs which will incubate for about 26-28 days. The male assists with feeding the chicks when they hatch.
Captive macaws with great-green colors make great companion animals. They are playful, intelligent birds. It is essential to keep in mind that these animals require plenty of space, patience, and care to flourish. They are susceptible to biting and could be destructive if bored. They are also prone to health issues like proventricular dilatation or macaw wasting diseases.
The great green macaw is declining like many other tropical species. Their habitat is destroyed by logging and mining, agriculture and cattle ranching. The illegal trade in wildlife and hunting for food is also affecting their numbers.
Protecting the habitat of these incredible creatures is the only way to ensure their survival. The creation of corridors between protected areas will allow them to move around freely and access diverse food sources. In the end, preserving the natural habitats of these beautiful birds could help protect other endangered species that live in their homes.
Blue and Gold Macaw
This beautiful bird is one of the most loved parrots in captivity worldwide. It is smart and a very affectionate animal. It requires a lot of interaction and education, but can be a great pet if properly trained. Macaws can be aggressive when not properly trained or provided with clearly defined boundaries. It is important to hire an experienced trainer who knows how to handle large bird and is able to teach tricks. Dave and Jamieleigh from BirdTricks have created a great video that demonstrates how to hand control an 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 play with. Check out their video HERE.
A parrot in the family, the blue and gold macaws are neotropical birds that are native to forests (especially in varzea zones) and woodland and savannah habitats of tropical Central America and South America as in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Macaws are characterized by a blue dorsum with tail feathers and gradient shades of green on their heads. They also have accents of gold or yellow. Their wings and wing covers are blue with green highlights. Their feet are zygodactyl with two toes facing forward and two pointing backward, an adaptation that allows them to grasp branches with ease.
They are monogamous, and pair for life and remain together during the breeding season. They build their nests in tree cavities which they excavate using their strong beaks. They usually lay two or three eggs and incubate them for up to 25 days. After hatching the altricial chicks are fed through regurgitation by both parents until they can take care of themselves.
They are intelligent birds that convey a variety of emotions through a variety of vocalizations. They also display a variety of courtship behavior, such as making their heads cocked and flirting by raising their wings and blushing. They also display their emotions by bouncing, prancing, bouncing, and prancing their wings.
They are also playful and they love to chew on toys. As such, it is recommended that pet owners provide plenty of bird-safe, sturdy toys that be able to withstand the force of their jaw muscles. This will help keep the teeth healthy and prevent the development of plaque and tartar.
Red-shouldered Macaw
Sometimes referred to as the Hahn's Macaw, this small bird is one of the most intelligent macaw species. It is a good talker and can learn many tricks. It's also more peaceful than other macaws, which makes it a good choice for people who may be concerned about a loud parrot. While it can nip as an infant, it typically gets over this behavior and is extremely playful as an adult.
This bird is native in swamplands and savannahs as in tropical lowland habitats all over Brazil, Venezuela Guyana and South-Eastern Peru. Its vibrant green coloring is ideal to disguise itself in the forest. It lay between two and five eggs and then incubates them for 24 days. After two months, the eggs are ready to fly. This species is usually paired for life, and often in pairs.
It mostly hunts in search of flowers, berries, fruit, nuts, seeds, and leaves in its natural habitat. The birds are well-known for eating insects, too. They are also known to gather close to clay cliffs. This is believed to help them remove any toxins they might have ingested while eating their usual meals.
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. However, a balanced diet, regular veterinary checkups and proper maintenance of the cage can stop these issues from developing.
The bird can live for up to 50 years in captivity. It is not typically sold in large pet stores but it can be found at avian-specialty shops as well as from breeders of birds. It is intelligent, however it is difficult to train for those who are new. It is a good talker and can be taught to whistle or clap, as well as dance.
Hahn's Macaws can be extremely loud and are not recommended for apartments living. They require a huge cage with plenty of perches and food bowls. They must also be able to exercise regularly outside of the cage. They are also strong chewers and require a sturdy cage that is secure.
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
The Blue-and Yellow Macaw is a large, beautiful tropical parrot. As with other members of Macaw family the bird is monogamous and pairs for life. It also has an tendency to mimic which makes it an excellent companion bird.
This species is native to South America, and can be found in a variety of habitats. Cloud forests, savannas, and rainforests are all habitats that could be used. harlequin macaw -and-yellow Macaw is deemed endangered by the IUCN and conservation efforts are in progress to protect this magnificent animal.
The birds can breed when they reach the age of 3 or 4 years. It is known that they pair for life and will stay together until the death of one partner. The Blue-and-Yellow macaw typically will lay between two and three eggs in a single nest. The female incubates the eggs, while the male defends the nest. Once the chicks hatch they become altricial and must rely on their parents for food until they are able to 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 parrot. They are very intelligent, and can master a vast variety of sounds. The Blue-and-Yellow is a master flyer. It can be observed performing amazing aerial maneuvers, and soaring through forest canopy.
The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw an attractive charismatic bird. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a pet who will provide companionship and entertainment.
This gorgeous, large tropical parrot is native to South America. It is a monogamous bird that mates for life and has a tendency toward mimicry. It is inclined to form bonds with humans and can master a wide range of phrases and words.
The Blue-and Yellow Macaw attains breeding age at 3 to 4 years old. The Blue-and Yellow will pair for life, and is known to live in small groups of families. The Blue-and-Yellow species can be found in a variety of habitats like cloud forests and Savannas. The Blue-and Yellow prefers to nest in tree cavities, which they dig out with their powerful beaks. Females lay between 2 and 3 eggs, and incubate the clutch for approximately one month.