Magnificent Macaws

Macaws belong to the Psittacidae family , which are the true parrots and there are 19 species of macaws, which includes extinct and critically endangered species. Two of these species are extinct and a further two are believed to be extinct in the wild.

Macaws are often known for their colorful plumage and they also have long tails. While many macaws are large in size, some species are not much larger than some parakeets. Macaws are native to Mexico, Central America and South America.

Perhaps the best known macaw is the Scarlet Macaw with its magnificent colors. It is native to South America and is found in the rainforests there. Due to the popularity of this bird for the cage/pet inductry, the Scarlet Macaw has been listed as endangered.

Other species include the blue and gold macaw and the hyacinth macaw - all have brilliant colors in their feathers. It is such a pity that their beauty is one the cause of their endangered status throughout the world.