Macaws
Ara and related genera
Also known as: Large and mini macaws
Spectacular, devoted companions requiring space, budget for toys, and lifelong social commitment. Mini and large macaw species differ a lot in size, volume, and typical lifespan ranges.
Lifespan
Mini macaws often ~25–40 years; large macaws often ~40–60+ years (extreme claims uncertain)
Size
Mini macaws (e.g. Hahn's, severe) are much smaller; large macaws (blue-and-gold, scarlet, green-wing) need big space and heavy-duty gear
Species & subspecies
True taxonomic companions under this hub — distinct species or subspecies, not captive color morphs.
Blue-and-gold macaw
speciesAra ararauna
Large companion macaw with blue upperparts and golden underparts.
Scarlet macaw
speciesAra macao
Large scarlet macaw with blue and yellow wing accents.
Green-winged macaw
speciesAra chloropterus
Large macaw; among the biggest commonly kept Ara species.
Hahn's macaw
speciesDiopsittaca nobilis
A mini macaw species — much smaller than large Ara macaws.
Severe (chestnut-fronted) macaw
speciesAra severus
A mini/mid-size macaw species, smaller than blue-and-gold or scarlets.
Colorations
Captive color morphs and mutations for learning — not wild subspecies. (Example: turquoise in green-cheeks is a morph.)
Species-typical colors
Macaw appearance usually tracks species. Mini vs large species also differ in space needs and lifespan expectations.
Natural history
Neotropical icons that crack hard nuts and travel widely. Powerful beaks need constant constructive work.
Personality
Affectionate clowns with big feelings. They bond intensely and notice household energy.
Social & communication
Need substantial daily interaction. Not ideal as cage-only pets. Family involvement helps.
Vocalizations
Very loud contact calls—apartment living is rarely a good fit for larger species.
Diet basics
Species-appropriate pellets, vegetables, limited nuts as foraging rewards. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, xylitol, and salty foods.
Housing, sleep & enrichment
Extra-large cages or aviaries, outdoor flight when safe and legal, heavy-duty perches and locks. Destroyable wood, complex foraging, training, and supervised adventure time. Budget for frequent toy replacement.
Behavior notes
Beak strength means supervision around furniture and unsafe materials. Teach reclaim and stationing cues.
General everyday care
Consider space, noise, cost, and decades-long commitment before welcoming a macaw.