Macaws

As I mentioned in my inaugural post, I shall be posting brief descriptions of the many different types of parrots we encounter at the rescue. Our parrot of the month for March 2014 is Rex, a Blue and Gold Macaw. Accordingly, I will start with macaws. Macaws range from Mexico to Paraguay and Southern Brazil. Macaws have large, powerful beaks, long tails and more or less bare facial areas. Many macaws have brilliant plumage which corresponds quite well to the rain forests in which they live. Macaws are highly intelligent and social birds frequently living in flocks of ten (10) to thirty (30) birds. Most macaws mate for life and learn to be dutiful and diligent parents. In the wild macaws eat fruit, nuts, insects and snails. Some macaws regularly eat damp soil, perhaps to counteract toxins in some of the food they consume. Macaws range in size from little i.e. Hahn’s Macaw about 12-14” to the Hyacinth Macaw which at 3 1/3 feet is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot. The Blue and Gold Macaw is likely the macaw most frequently kept as a companion bird. In captivity these birds need large cages, ample time out of the cage, toys on which to chew and intellectual and social stimulation from their human “family”. Macaws tend to be loud and can learn to mimic human speech. Macaws can live to be sixty (60) years old and, in some species, longer.

Rex, WPR’s bird of the month, is a Blue and Gold Macaw of indeterminate age. He is well socialized and speaks well. His vocabulary includes “Whatcha doin?”, “Comere”, and “I gotta go”. He will gladly take food from your hand and is particularly fond of walnuts and almonds. He is playful and will step up willingly once he gets to know you. He lived in one home prior to his surrender and is eager to find a new family to join. See our website (www.wiltonparrotrescue.com) for further information on WPR and adopting a bird.

You can help support our rescue by installing the iGive button in your browser from the iGive web site - www.igive.com. A small percentage of your on-line purchases at participating merchants will be given to the charity of your choice once you’ve installed the iGive button or iGive mobile app. Many large national stores such as Amazon.com, Dell, LL Bean, Cabelas and Hammacher-Schlemmer (to name a few) participate and some even provide in-store vouchers. There are many worthy charities participating in iGive although we hope you’ll choose to help support Wilton Parrot Rescue.