When it comes to parrots, few birds capture our imagination quite like the macaw. These striking, intelligent, and charismatic parrots are famous for their vibrant plumage, powerful beaks, and strong personalities. But how many species of macaw are there exactly? Let's take a closer look at the magnificent macaw family and discover the species of Macaw that make up this iconic group.

A Rainbow of Macaws – The 17 Known Species

There are currently 17 recognised species of macaw, each with its own unique look, behaviour, and natural habitat. While some are large and well-known, like the Blue-and-yellow Macaw, others are small and lesser-known, such as the Red-shouldered Macaw. Here's a guide to the macaw species that are still with us today (and a few that are not):

1. Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

These bold beauties are easily recognised by their bright blue backs and golden-yellow underparts. Native to forests and woodlands across South America, they're highly intelligent and social, often forming lifelong pairs. Popular in aviculture, they require plenty of mental stimulation and interaction.

2. Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)

With vivid red, yellow, and blue feathers, the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most colourful macaws. Found in the rainforests of Central and South America, they are loud, active, and thrive in flocks. They have strong beaks capable of cracking the hardest nuts.

3. Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus)

One of the largest macaw species, the Green-winged is often confused with the Scarlet Macaw. It features red plumage with green and blue wing feathers. Native to northern and central South America, they are known for their calm and affectionate nature.

4. Military Macaw (Ara militaris)

Named for its olive-green colouring, the Military Macaw lives in forests and arid woodlands of Mexico and South America. It has a bright red forehead and turquoise wing feathers. Though not as flashy, it is a powerful flyer and bonds well with humans.

5. Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus)

Also known as Buffon's Macaw, this species is critically endangered in the wild. Native to Central and northern South America, it requires dense, humid forests. It has striking green plumage with a red forehead and blue highlights.

6. Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis)

Endemic to a small area in Bolivia, this rare macaw is known for its sky-blue throat and bright yellow belly. Fewer than 500 remain in the wild. Conservation breeding has helped bolster their numbers.

7. Red-fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys)

A smaller macaw with a limited range in Bolivia, this species has a red patch on its forehead, cheeks, and bend of the wings. Critically endangered, they often nest in cliffs and rocky outcrops.

8. Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Severe Macaw) (Ara severus)

Medium-sized with a chestnut-brown forehead, this macaw is widespread in the Amazon basin. Known for their playful and sometimes cheeky behaviour, they thrive in a stimulating environment.

9. Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

The largest flying parrot species in the world, the Hyacinth Macaw is an awe-inspiring sight. With vibrant cobalt-blue feathers and yellow skin around the eyes and beak, it needs a specialised diet rich in nuts, especially palm nuts.

10. Lear's Macaw (Indigo Macaw) (Anodorhynchus leari)

Slightly smaller and darker than the Hyacinth, Lear's Macaw lives in northeastern Brazil. Once on the brink of extinction, it now has a slowly recovering wild population thanks to conservation efforts.

11. Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus)

This species may sadly be extinct, with no confirmed sightings in decades. It once inhabited southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Habitat loss and trapping likely led to its disappearance.

12. Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii)

Famous from the animated film Rio, the Spix's Macaw is entirely blue and incredibly rare. Declared extinct in the wild, captive breeding and rewilding projects are working to reintroduce it to its native Brazil.

13. Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus)

Mostly green with a dusky blue head and a small reddish patch on the belly. Found in palm swamps, this macaw depends heavily on specific palm species for food and nesting.

14. Golden-collared Macaw (Primolius auricollis)

A small macaw with a distinctive yellow band around its neck. Native to central South America, it inhabits dry forests and savannahs. It is a curious and active bird.

15. Blue-headed Macaw (Primolius couloni)

Rare and elusive, this macaw is green with a bold blue head and flight feathers. Found in the western Amazon basin, it is considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation and capture for the pet trade.

16. Illiger's Macaw (Blue-winged Macaw) (Primolius maracana)

Known for its affectionate nature and sociability, this medium-sized macaw has vibrant green feathers, a red belly patch, and blue wings. Found in eastern Brazil, it is popular in aviculture.

17. Red-shouldered Macaw (Hahn's Macaw) (Diopsittaca nobilis)

The smallest macaw species, but full of energy and personality. It has green plumage with red shoulder patches and a loud voice. Ideal for those who want a macaw in a smaller package.

Conservation and Care

Many macaw species face serious threats in the wild, including habitat destruction and illegal trapping. Conservation organisations around the world are working hard to protect these incredible birds.

If you're lucky enough to share your home with a macaw, remember: these are intelligent, long-lived parrots that require mental stimulation, social interaction, and a nutritious, varied diet. At Parrot Essentials, we stock a wide range of high-quality food, toys, and enrichment products tailored to macaws of all sizes.

Final Thoughts

From the tiny Hahn's Macaw to the mighty Hyacinth, macaws are a truly extraordinary group of parrots. Whether you're interested in their conservation or looking to care for one as a companion, learning more about the species of macaw helps ensure they stay around for generations to come.