Macaws are the largest members of the Psittacidae family, the same one parakeets, parrots and similar birds also belong to. They are found from southern North America (Mexico) all the way South America. Brazil is number one, for having specimens of all genera and the largest number of species, in a total of 13.

These species’ main features are their wide, robust head that supports a strong, tall, and curved bill, specialized in crushing and peeling seeds. To help them handle seeds, they also have very developed jaw and tongue muscles. Their feet are short but very dexterous; besides holding the animals’ bodies up their feet help them handle the food they eat. Both males and females show off gorgeous plumage in lush colors that give them unparalleled beauty. The genders usually look very much alike.

Macaws from the American continent have a reputation of being very noisy, and are considered highly intelligent. Telling the various species’ shrieks apart requires long, constant practice, and certain voices may even serve to identify them, even when they are only just heard. Just like their parrot cousins, these birds, especially certain individuals, also learn to perfectly utter words, imitate songs, cough, laugh, etc., which gives them the status of man’s favorite companions, particularly because they can be so easily tamed. They look for food both on tree tops and certain fruit-bearing bushes. They use their bills as a third foot to climb trees, and use their paws to hold food and take it to their mouths. They like the seeds and not the flesh of fruit.