Macaws are among the most brilliantly colored of all parrots, and can be readily distinguished from other parrots by the patch of bare skin on their cheeks – which, like humans, can sometimes blush.  Macaws represent the largest companion parrots.  Their sheer size and beauty make them very popular as pets, but the large Macaws are not for everybody: they will require a large cage and, if possible, a safe and secure out of cage area where they can “stretch their wings.”  At the top of the Macaw hierarchy is the rare Hyacinth Macaw, whose body is a deep Indigo with bright yellow skin around the eyes.  These gentle giants can reach up to 40 inches in length for an adult with a well-developed tail.  Other large Macaws featured at Birds N’ Things are the popular Blue & Gold, the Green Wing (next in size to the Hyacinth), and the multi-colored Scarlet.  While the large Macaws are not sought for their speaking abilities, many are capable of saying a range of words and imitating sounds.  Their personalities range from sweet (the Blue & Gold) to playful and challenging (the Green Wing) to playful and saucy (the Scarlet).  Most give affection and love to get it, to tease but not necessarily to be teased.  Macaws can be loud, but most do not vocalize as frequently as Cockatoos and certain loud Conures.

Birds N’ Things also features the so-called Mini-Macaws and Medium Macaws.  Those in the “mini” category are the Hahn’s and Yellow Collar; both are smaller than the Timneh Grey, and both are capable of some talking but are quiet enough for most apartments.  They are playful and affectionate, and pack a lot of personality into a small package.  In between the minis and the medium Macaws is the Severe.  Its name is not appropriate, for these birds are typically anything but “severe” in personality – and they can be fairly good talkers.  Medium Macaws such as the Illiger’s and the Military make excellent companions for those who like the “Macaw personality” but don’t have the physical space for a large Macaw.  The “minis” and “midis” tend to be primarily green in color with brilliant color variations under the wings and/or on the neck and crown.