Macaws are a subspecies of parrot. Known for their bright colors and dazzling feather patterns, the macaw is sometimes also known as a winged rainbow. Macaws have a black or dark-colored, or horn colored (white to cream colored) beaks (or a mix). Their bodies and wings display a  combination of colors and a variety or appearances, as evidenced by the names or each kind of bird. Red, blue, and green are the main colors these parrots come in with yellow being another dominate color, and smaller patches of orange, white, and many shades. A macaw feather pattern is as unique to each bird as finger prints are to a person. Macaws are well known birds that have been popular as pets for years.

Macaws originate from Central and South America. In the wild macaws are found in the canopies of the rainforest. They nest in cavities of trees, which they must find since they cannot make one. They eat seeds and fruit from the trees and leafy greens as well. These parrots make several loud screeching sounds to communicate with others across the trees. Macaws are often captured illegally to be bred for the pet trade. Anyone considering buying a macaw or other parrot should be sure to check where the breeder got his or her parrots from. Buying from a reputable breeder helps keep macaws in the wild.

Macaws like all parrots are monogamous pair-bonders. This means that two macaws will courtship and mate for life. This can translate to an iron clad relationship between an owner and his or her bird, to the point where if the bird owner died the parrot would spend the rest of its life in mourning. Dedication like that does take a lot of work though. One must devote time and attention to his or her macaw daily, and proper care and nutrition are also necessary. Raising any parrot can be difficult. They have specific diets, and they make a lot of noise so that a good bird keeper is an experienced one.

Macaws like to have clean areas to live in, so daily changes in the paper are a must. Larger cages are required for these large birds. A cage approximately 48 inches squared or larger is often the best size for a macaw. Macaws can be fed many kinds of fruits including berries. They also eat nuts, cooked beans and rice, and some vegetables. Their diet primarily consists of seeds but they also need nutrients from other sources including clay licks. Macaws can live around from 30-70 years (depending on the specific breed) all the while acting as a friend and companion to its owner as long as the bird is loved and respected, and properly cared for.