MACAWS

South America and the Caribbean are home to some of the world's most beautiful birds, the Macaws. Unfortunately there are some Caribbean species that are now extinct, but seventeen species are still existent.

Macaws are the largest member of the parrot family. Because of their bright colors, they are probably the world's favorite bird. They use these bright colors to camouflage against their predators. When in tall trees they are often mistaken as fruits.

Two of the most breath-taking of the Macaws are the Scarlet and the Blue and Gold Macaw.

The Scarlet Macaw can grow to be anywhere form 32-33 inches. They originated around Northern south America. Living in the tropical rain forest they are one of the most striking and intelligent of all Macaws. Most Macaws are spotted perching in tall trees but not the Scarlet Macaw. This particular Macaw is usually spotted flying over head with it's long tail streaming behind it. In 1985 it was first put on the Endangered Species List, but it was also put on the Top Ten World's Most Beautiful Parrot list.

The second Macaw is the Blue and Gold Macaw, which grows up to 29-35 inches. It was first originated from Northern South America to North Panama and Trinidad. They are found living in the rain forest, like the Scarlet Macaw. Unlike the Scarlet, the Blue and Gold Macaw is seen perching and all-in-all it is seen the most often. It is the best Macaw to be tamed as a family pet. They come in three color variations. Their beaks are extremely hard and sharp, which is ideal for breaking open palm nuts. Sometimes these birds are known to fly over 16 miles to feed on their favorite fruits.

MACAWS AS PETS

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