All about Mini Macaws
The Small Parrot with a Large Personality!
Mini Macaws are very similar, but very different, from the large macaw species. They are playful, childlike, and overall wonderful birds. The main differences with mini macaws are intelligence levels, colors, and overall personality. Obviously, size also is different!
A mini macaw's intelligence level is actually higher than a large macaw's. They are able to mimic better and can carry a much larger vocabulary. Special tricks, such as potty training or 'conversations', can be taught to a mini macaw that would be very difficult to teach to a large macaw.
Judging by some of the pictures you see here, shades of green are dominant with the mini macaw. The less vibrant colors of these macaws is one of the reasons why they are significantly cheaper (it also depends on size, rarity, and age) than the larger macaws. No matter the color, a macaw is still a beautiful animal!
A mini macaw's overall personality is slightly different than that of a large macaw. They are more prone to cuddling behavior and 'calmer' play. This basically means more climbing, flapping, and rolling, and less chewing, smashing, and tearing. Do not be fooled; every macaw loves a good chunk of wood to destroy!
Here are some mini macaws:
Yellow Collared Macaw
Also called the Golden Collared or Yellow Naped macaw, they originate from South America. They can live for up to 50 years, but they only grow to 15 inches maximum.
Yellow Collared macaws are known to be primarily one person birds, although they are usually very friendly with strangers and other family members. They are also known to be annoying attention grabbers. They pack quite a scream in that little body, and will use it to the fullest extent for attention from the 'human flock'. Normally, when they are not looking for attention, Severe macaws are fairly quiet, and enjoy observing and trying to mimic.
Be warned: while the Yellow Collared macaw is a very silly macaw, they are also master escape artists. Make sure all cage locks are secure and strong. Do no underestimate these little guys!
Prices range from $400 to $800.
Severe Macaw
Also called the Chestnut Fronted Macaw, these macaws originate from Central and South America. Severe macaws can live up to 30 years and reach heights of up to 18 inches, head to tail (usually 16 or 17, however).
Severe Macaws love to socialize with many different people, so be sure to have family and friends spend a little time with your new buddy.
Prices may range as cheap as $450 to as expensive as $1000. To me, prices don't matter much. If you're going to have this bird for the next 30 years, you are going to end up spending thousands on food and toys anyway.
Hahn's and Noble Macaw
Although the Hahn's and Noble macaw look slightly different, both are considered to be Red-Shouldered Macaws. They are found in northern parts of South America.
These macaws are the smallest of all macaws, only stretching to about a foot in length. They also live the shortest; only about 25 or 30 years. Because of the shorter expected lifespan than most macaws, these guys are usually a top choice for mini macaw enthusiasts.
Hahn's and Noble macaws are also very popular because of their laid back personality. They rarely scream, but are still great talkers or mimickers. Do not be duped, however. Every macaw has its moody days and will scream its little lungs out.
Prices range from $300 to $600.
Some other Hubs on the Macaw I wrote!
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