The large macaw is certainly among the most awesome and breathtakingly beautiful of birds. However, the owner must have the time and space that these handsome birds need. Choosing a "first macaw" will be the biggest challenge. Base your decision on your lifestyle, the bird's health, availability, and inevitably, the cost.

Perhaps the most commonly available large macaw is the Blue and Gold. It has an ideal personality, loves social situations, and has the ability to rise to the occasion, whether it is a simple dinner or an elaborate wedding. They are highly sociable and quickly become members of the family. Frequently seen in films and commercials, they are quickly recognized.

Equal in personality when raised in a loving environment is the Scarlet Macaw.

The Greenwing, a poor name for that species of macaw, is essentially a rich crimson red bird with a green patch on its wing. Greenwings may be the smartest of the large macaws. Because of this, they are prone to mischief. Only a person with a good sense of humor should own them. As with many large parrots, the cage lock is a wonderful mystery, which must--and frequently is--solved. The Greenwing is among the largest macaws.

The Hyacinth is the largest of the parrot family, nearly 4-feet in length and with a wingspan that frequently exceeds 4 feet. A gentle giant among large birds, its placid disposition makes it a popular, albeit very expensive, favorite. Remember that this bird has an appetite to more that match its size.

Equally popular are Military Macaws--the smallest of the large macaws, a bird that comes in bright Christmas colors--and the Red Front, also a smaller macaw with a musical voice and an affectionate nature.

As pets, macaws will be lifelong companions provided they are given a healthy diet, allowed freedom, and given lots of attention. When purchasing a macaw, be sure it gets a complete health examination by your avian vet. If all the tests (including a CBC, throat and vent cultures, and a Chlamydia screen) are negative, you can feel confident about your purchase.

Your macaw should be housed in a cage at least 30" by 42" by 5 feet high (currently the most popular size among macaw owners). The cage must allow room for your bird to flap and stretch its wings. Rectangular or square cages provide more space than round ones. Cages with playpens on the top are helpful for both bird and owner. Since the ideal cage should be twice the wingspan of the bird, and since most commercial cages do not meet this requirement, a climbing tree perch, for when your bird is outside the cage and socializing with the family, soon becomes invaluable. A stand that has at least two levels of perches and something to hang toys from will help to prevent boredom and the inadvertent destruction of some of your furniture.

Provide your macaw with a well-balanced diet including seed, nuts, fruits, vegetables and whatever healthy food the family is eating. Small portions of pasta, cooked chicken, turkey or chicken thighbones, fruit salad, cooked legumes, and other leftovers are great for macaws. Treats, which challenge and entertain, include peas in the pod, green beans, watermelon, or any other melon with the seeds, pomegranate, yams, oranges, and their favorite, corn on the cob. A typical macaw feeding can consist of a cup of regular large hookbill mix with 4 or 5 large nuts on top and pint of fruit and vegetable salad.

-Reprinted with permission of The Aviary and Bird Cage Society of South Florida.