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

Ara
Anodorhynchus
Cyanopsitta
Primolius
Orthopsittaca
Diopsittaca
For other uses, see Macaw (disambiguation). The Blue-and-yellow Macaw ( Ara ararauna) also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the group of large Neotropical Parrots Chordates ( Phylum Chordata) are a group of Animals that includes the Vertebrates together with several closely related Invertebrates Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Parrots are birds of the roughly 350 Species in 85 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions The true parrots are about 330 species of bird belonging to the Psittacidae family, one of the two "traditional" families in the biological order The Psittacinae (Latin psittacinus, from psittacus parrot from Greek psittakosis) a subfamily in the parrot family The Neotropical parrots ( tribe Arini, sometimes Subfamily Arinae) belong to the family of the true parrots Psittacidae. Ara is a neotropical genus of Macaws ref name=forshaw368> with eight extant (surviving species and at least one extinct species Anodorhynchus is a genus of large Macaws It contains three species and in addition a hypothetical extinct species extinct has been postulated based on very little The Spix's Macaw ( Cyanopsitta spixii) is the only member of the Parrot genus Cyanopsitta. Primolius is a genus of Macaws comprising three species The Primolius genus Bonaparte 1857 Blue-headed Macaw, Primolius The Red-bellied Macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata, is a large colourful Parrot, Monotypic, the only member of the genus Orthopsittaca The Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis, also known as the Noble Macaw, Long-wing Macaw or Hahn's Macaw, is a small parrot

Macaws are small to large, often colourful New World parrots. The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the Continents of North America and South America Parrots are birds of the roughly 350 Species in 85 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions Of the many different Psittacidae (true parrots) genera, six are classified as macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. The true parrots are about 330 species of bird belonging to the Psittacidae family, one of the two "traditional" families in the biological order A genus (plural genera from Γένος Latin genus "descent family type gender" is a low-level Taxonomic Previously, the members of the genus Primolius were placed in Propyrrhura, but the former is correct as per ICZN rules[1]. "ICZN" redirects here It is also sometimes used for the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature in error Macaws are native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and formerly the Caribbean. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. South America is a Continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting Most species are associated with forest, especially rainforest, but others prefer woodland or savanna-like habitats. Rainforests are Forests characterized by high Rainfall with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 1750–2000 mm (68-78 inches A savanna or savannah is a Tropical or Subtropical Grassland or Woodland Ecosystem.

There is no unifying characteristic which differentiates macaws from all other types of parrots. All species have a long tail, but so do conures. Conures are a diverse loosely-defined group of small to medium-sized Parrots They belong to several genera within a long-tailed group of the New World The bare facial patch surrounding the eye and extending to the beak is unique to macaws, but it is reduced in some species, and limited to a yellow patch around the eyes and a second patch near the base of the beak in the members of the genus Anodorhynchus.

Some of the macaw species are popularly known for their impressive size. The largest parrot in length and wingspan is the Hyacinth Macaw. The heaviest macaw is the Buffon's, although the heaviest parrot is the flightless Kakapo. The Kakapo ( Māori: kākāpō, meaning night parrot) Strigops habroptilus (from the Greek strix, genitive While still relatively large parrots, the macaws of the genera Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca and Primolius are significantly smaller than the members of Anodorhynchus and Ara. The smallest member of the family, the Red-shouldered Macaw, is no larger than some parakeets of the genus Aratinga. Aratinga is a Genus of American Parakeets They belong to the long-tailed group and are among the genera often called Conures in

Macaws, like other parrots, as well as toucans and woodpeckers, are zygodactyl, having their first and fourth toe pointing backwards. Parrots are birds of the roughly 350 Species in 85 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions Toucans are a family Ramphastidae, of Near-passerine Birds from the Neotropics (i The woodpeckers, piculets and wrynecks are a family, Picidae, of Near-passerine Birds. In Biology, dactyly is the arrangement of digits ( Fingers and Toes on the Hands feet, or sometimes Wings of a

Contents

Species in taxonomic order

There are 17 species of Macaws.

Extinctions and conservation status

The majority of macaws are now endangered in the wild. Anodorhynchus is a genus of large Macaws It contains three species and in addition a hypothetical extinct species extinct has been postulated based on very little The Glaucous Macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus, is a large South American parrot Native to central and eastern South America, the Hyacinth Macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) or Hyacinthine Macaw, is the largest Macaw The Lear's Macaw ( Anodorhynchus leari) also known as the Indigo Macaw, is a rare Brazilian Parrot with a highly restricted range The Spix's Macaw ( Cyanopsitta spixii) is the only member of the Parrot genus Cyanopsitta. Ara is a neotropical genus of Macaws ref name=forshaw368> with eight extant (surviving species and at least one extinct species The Blue-and-yellow Macaw ( Ara ararauna) also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the group of large Neotropical Parrots The Blue-throated Macaw ( Ara glaucogularis; previously Ara caninde) is a Bird endemic to a small area of north-central Bolivia known The Military Macaw (Ara militaris is a medium sized member of the macaw family The Great Green Macaw, Ara ambiguus, also known as Buffon's Macaw, is a Central and South American Parrot found in Nicaragua The Scarlet Macaw ( Ara macao) is a large colorful Parrot. It is native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics from extreme eastern Mexico The Green-winged Macaw or Red-and-green Macaw ( Ara chloroptera) is often mistaken for the Scarlet Macaw because of its predominantly red The Red-fronted Macaw, Ara rubrogenys, is a Parrot endemic to a small semi-desert mountainous area of Bolivia. The Chestnut-fronted Macaw or Severe Macaw ( Ara severa) is one of the largest of the mini-macaws The Dominican Green-and-Yellow Macaw ( Ara atwoodi) also called the Dominican Macaw, is Extinct, and only known through the writings of Zoologist UserPolbot. -->The Jamaican Green-and-yellow Macaw ( Ara erythrocephala) may have been a species of Parrot in the UserPolbot. -->The Jamaican Red Macaw ( Ara gossei) may have been a species of Parrot in the Psittacidae The Lesser Antillean Macaw ( Ara guadeloupensis) also known as Guadeloupe Macaw is an extinct Macaw species from the Antilles island of The Cuban Red Macaw, Ara tricolor, is an Extinct species of Parrot that was native to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud, an island The Saint Croix Macaw ( Ara autochthones) is an extinct species of bird in the parrot family which is known from fossils found in one site in Saint Croix U The Red-bellied Macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata, is a large colourful Parrot, Monotypic, the only member of the genus Orthopsittaca Primolius is a genus of Macaws comprising three species The Primolius genus Bonaparte 1857 Blue-headed Macaw, Primolius The Blue-headed Macaw or Coulon's Macaw ( Primolius couloni) is native to eastern Peru (except in north north-western Bolivia (mainly in The Blue-winged Macaw ( Primolius maracana) in Aviculture more commonly known as Illiger's Macaw, is a Species of macaw found The Golden-collared Macaw or Yellow-collared Macaw ( Primolius auricollis) is a small Species of Macaw belonging to the parrot family The Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis, also known as the Noble Macaw, Long-wing Macaw or Hahn's Macaw, is a small parrot Six species are already extinct, and Spix's Macaw is now considered to be extinct in the wild. The Spix's Macaw ( Cyanopsitta spixii) is the only member of the Parrot genus Cyanopsitta. In Biology and Ecology, extinction is the cessation of existence of a Species or group of taxa. The Glaucous Macaw is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century. The Glaucous Macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus, is a large South American parrot The greatest problems threatening the macaw population are the rapid rate of deforestation and the illegal trapping for the bird trade. Deforestation is the conversion of Forested areas to non-forest land for use such as Arable land, Pasture, urban use logged area or wasteland

International trade of all Macaw species is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). International trade is exchange of Capital, Goods, and Services across International borders or Territories. CITES (the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments drafted Some species of macaws for example, the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) are listed on Appendix I and may not be traded for commercial purposes. Other species for example, the Red-Shouldered macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis) are listed on Appendix II and may be legally traded commercially provided that certain controls are in place. The controls include a non-detriment finding, establishment of an export quota and issuing of export permits.

Birds in captivity

Macaws eat nuts, seeds, fruit, and sometimes insects. 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. They often learn tricks easily.

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. They are monogamous and mate for life. In captivity unmated macaws will bond primarily with one person – their keeper, and can often be quite affectionate and cuddly. Pet macaws thrive on frequent interaction and attention from their owners, 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 or pterotillomania occurs in many Bird species world-wide for a variety of reasons Feather-plucking does not normally occur in the wild, strongly suggesting that it is the result of a neurosis related to life in captivity, though some sources suggest other causes such as inbreeding in captive populations, food allergies, and dry skin (most of these birds are adapted to humid climates). This article describes the term in psychology For the experimental metal band see Neurosis (band.

Most pet macaws had ancestors living in the wild just two to four generations ago, and are not truly domesticated by any reasonable definition. Domestication (from Latin domesticus) refers to the process whereby a Population of Animals (This is unlike, for example, dogs; some estimates put the domestication of dogs as far back as 40,000 years ago. The dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated Subspecies of the gray wolf, a Mammal of the Canidae family of the order Domestication (from Latin domesticus) refers to the process whereby a Population of Animals The dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated Subspecies of the gray wolf, a Mammal of the Canidae family of the order ) They are, however, quite social and adaptable birds.

All species of macaws have very powerful, large beaks and large macaws are capable of destroying household furnishings and can potentially cause considerable harm to both children and adults. They tend to be loud: in the wild their voices need 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 may use on domestic pets, such as punishment.

Hybrids

See also: Bird hybrid

A common trend in recent years is hybridising macaws for the pet trade. A bird hybrid is basically a Bird that has two different Species as parents Hybrids are typical macaws, with the only difference from true species being their genetics and their colors. Male offspring tend to take on the traits of the mother, and the females take the traits of the father. As for their temperament and behaviour, they seem to inherit traits of both parents.

Aviculturists have reported an over abundance of female blue and gold macaws in captivity, which differs from the general rule with captive macaws and other parrots, where the males are more abundant. This would explain why the blue and gold is the most commonly hybridised macaw, and why the hybridising trend took hold among macaws. Common macaw hybrids include Harlequins (Ara ararauna x chloroptera) and Catalinas (known as Rainbows in Australia, A. ararauna x macao). The Blue-and-yellow Macaw ( Ara ararauna) also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the group of large Neotropical Parrots The Green-winged Macaw or Red-and-green Macaw ( Ara chloroptera) is often mistaken for the Scarlet Macaw because of its predominantly red The Blue-and-yellow Macaw ( Ara ararauna) also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the group of large Neotropical Parrots The Scarlet Macaw ( Ara macao) is a large colorful Parrot. It is native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics from extreme eastern Mexico [3]

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. In Population genetics, a gene pool is the complete set of unique Alleles in a Species or Population.

Clay licks

Macaws are known to eat clay, which is believed to work as an antidote to the poisonous seeds they eat. [4][5] The chemicals in the clay mix with the poison allowing it to pass through the bird's digestive system without harming the bird.

Dr. Donald Brightsmith, the principal investigator of the Tambopata Macaw Project, has been leading research at the Tambopata Research Center since 1999. Findings from the center located in the Amazon basin in southeastern Peru show that the soil macaws choose to consume at the clay licks they frequent did not have higher levels of cation exchange capacity (ability to adsorb toxins) than that of unused licks. What the findings do show is that the macaws, along with other bird species, prefer soil with higher levels of sodium.

It is possible that the birds are using taste to find soil that also meets other physiological needs. However, it is interesting to note that the macaws on the coast of Costa Rica do not use clay clicks and this is possibly related to the fact that the mangroves which supply a portion of their diet is high in sodium.

Continuing projects at TRC are also showing a correlation between clay lick use and breeding season. Calcium for egg development - another hypothesis - does not appear to be a reason for geophagy during this period as peak usage is after the hatching of eggs. Contents of nestling crop samples show a high percentage of clay fed to them by their parents.

Gallery

Blue-and-gold Macaws (Ara ararauna)

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)

Scarlet Macaws

Golden-collared Macaw

Cultural references

The Macaw is depicted on the reverse side of the 10-Brazilian Reais banknote. The Blue-and-yellow Macaw ( Ara ararauna) also known as the Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the group of large Neotropical Parrots The Military Macaw (Ara militaris is a medium sized member of the macaw family The Scarlet Macaw ( Ara macao) is a large colorful Parrot. It is native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics from extreme eastern Mexico The Golden-collared Macaw or Yellow-collared Macaw ( Primolius auricollis) is a small Species of Macaw belonging to the parrot family The real (meaning "royal" ɹeˈal in English, [xe{{IPA|ˈ}}aw] in Brazilian Portuguese) ( sign: R$; code:

The Macaw is one of the Familiars that you can summon using the Summoning skill in the MMORPG RuneScape.

References

  1. ^ South American Classification Committee To reassign the genus of three macaws.
  2. ^ Forshaw, Joseph Michael (1973, 1981). Parrots of the World.  
  3. ^ Macaws, Hybrid Names, and pages on individual hybrids
  4. ^ Detoxifying strategies of Amazon Macaws
  5. ^ Santa Barbara Zoo - Macaw

External links

Dictionary

macaw

-noun

  1. Any of various parrots of the genera Ara and Anodorhynchus of Central and South America, including the largest parrots and characterized by long sabre-shaped tails, curved powerful bills, and usually brilliant plumage.
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