Blue and Gold -

Talking Ability: Moderate to Good

Noise Level: Extremely High

Temperament:
These are the most common large macaw in pet stores and homes. They are incredibly active and playful, yet can calm down enough for a good head scratch. They are affectionate with their owners, but sometimes shy or aggressive with others. They are notorious chewers with their large beaks and very active, so many toys and a large cage are necessary.

Military -

Talking Ability: Good

Noise Level: High

Temperament:
The Military Macaw is the smallest of the large macaws, acquiring a total length of about 28 inches. As with all parrots, it is important to socialize them as babies, but the Military seems to accept new homes and acclimate more readily that some of the others. It is truly a shame that the lack of the brilliant color of some of the other large macaws has lessened their popularity as pets. Although the Military Macaw is primarily green, pictures can seldom do justice to the color variance and copper tones in the feathers, because of this they are usually much less expensive than other species of macaws, but their affectionate, outgoing, and inquisitive personality makes them more than worth their price. The Military is an excellent choice for someone that wants a large macaw, but can't afford the prices that most of the others demand.

Red Front -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise level: High

Temperament:
Red-fronted Macaws are very smart birds. Some of them rival the Blue-throated macaw for mechanical ability. This is also a very charming bird. Their silly mannerisms and coquettishness are enough to soften the toughest of guys. Red-fronted Macaws have an astounding zest for life combined with a great sense of humor. Of course they are also mischievous. They like to get into a bit of trouble now and then and see just what they can get away with. Of course they are also mischievous. They like to get into a bit of trouble now and then and see just what they can get away with. I have one who likes to run up and pinch my arm and laugh. After the pinch and while laughing he runs away backwards. He is so funny; it is really hard not to laugh along with him. At this point I can change the game and he is usually willing. If I'm not in the mood and sternly tell him it knock it off, he will rub his head against me and ask for a kiss. Of course he just melts my heart. Red-fronted macaws can be real cuddlers.

Green Wing -

Talking Ability: Low to Moderate

Noise Level: Extremely High

Temperament:
These birds are much calmer than their Blue and Gold cousins, but as babies they enjoy a higher activity level. They are usually more affectionate, and do require a large amount of time like the other macaws. Most people agree that these macaws are very demanding of attention and space, so they definitely aren't for everyone.

Interesting Facts:
Though often mistaken for Scarlet Macaws, the Green-Winged macaws are very different both physically and mentally. They have no yellow on their wings and very prominent facial stripes. They are also quite a bit larger. They need to be handled correctly to prevent any unwanted behavior.

Scarlet -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise Level: Extremely High

Temperament:
The Scarlet Macaw is a beautiful bird with a sweet, inquisitive nature and friendly, outgoing personality. Scarlet macaws are prized for their beauty and personality. Lively and intelligent, they are easy to train - a favorite choice for people who want a bird that will readily pick up on games and tricks. Like most great show-offs, though, they can be a little overbearing: Boisterous to a fault, they can be downright loud. They can also be destructive, and, when provoked, can be nippy. While some do learn to speak, most macaws have limited ability to mimic.

Hyacinth -

Talking Ability: Poor

Noise Level: Extremely High

Temperament:
Hyacinth macaws are known to be the most gentle of all the macaw species. They are relatively calm, yet still playful in and out of the cage. They have incredibly strong beaks and jaw muscles, yet hardly use them when out of the cage. A hand-raised Hyacinth Macaw makes the ultimate pet.

Interesting Facts:
Hyacinth macaws not only have yellow face patches and eye rings, but a pale yellow hue to all of their skin except their feet.

Harlequin -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise Level: High

Temperament:
The Harlequin Macaw is a very large, beautiful hybrid Macaw whose temperament is remarkably sweet and playful. Like all Macaws, Harlequin Macaws need lots of space in which to play and lots of attention from their families! These birds are inquisitive by nature, and explore the world by "feeling" it with their mouths! This means they will nibble gently on you, on their cages, their toys, and all sorts of things. Eager to please, the Harlequin Macaw forms a strong bond with its handler and can develop a vocabulary of human words! These Macaws are extremely intelligent and quite energetic and affectionate. A cross between Green Winged Macaws and Blue and Gold Macaws, the Harlequin Macaw is a striking and sizeable bird.

Catalina -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise Level: High

Temperament:
Catalina Macaws, known as Rainbow Macaws in Australia, have the same noisy, intelligent, playful personalities as their naturally occurring counterparts. Plenty of attention and love is a must with Catalina Macaws, and will be well rewarded as these birds form strong bonds with their handlers and are good talkers. Catalina Macaws relate to the world by chewing on things, "feeling" them with their mouths. This means gentle biting characterizes their behavior, but sharp bites are only inflicted when the Macaw is extremely upset or frightened. Catalina Macaws do not like to have their tail feathers touched. Catalina Macaws do not occur naturally in the wild, but are a domestic cross of Blue and Gold and Scarlet Macaws.

Yellow collar -

Talking Ability: Low

Noise Level: Moderate

Temperament:
The Yellow Collared Macaw, also known as the Mini Macaw may be small in size, but he is very large in personality and beauty. It is no surprise that the Yellow Collared Macaw is a favorite among many parrot fanciers. If you want the personality of a large Macaw in a small package the Yellow Collared Macaw might just be for you. The Yellow Collared Macaw has a pleasant disposition, particularly when bred in captivity and hand raised. They are classified as medium to noisy parrots, but they are much quieter than other species of macaw. The Yellow Collared Macaw is a highly intelligent bird who displays quick learning. In addition many are capable of speaking. There are never any guarantees that your bird will talk, but several owners of Yellow Collared Macaws have reported good mimicking ability. They are sweet and loving birds, many of whom love to be cuddled by their owners. They may not do well in homes which are noisy or have small children, this is because they have a tendency to become nervous and jumpy when large amounts of noise are present in the home.

Severe -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise Level: Moderate

Temperament:
With a colorful personality, the Severe Macaw or Chestnut-Fronted Macaw is all the fun of a large Macaw rolled into a smaller package. The Severe Macaw is extremely social and loves to mimic speech and be petted and played with. As with many of the mini macaw members, the Severe must be well socialized as a youngster to prevent him from becoming a "one person bird". They are a playful, animated bird that can be very "vocal" if spoiled. Their excitement and curiosity with their environment reminds me very much of a child in a toy store that can't contain his excitement. Having the capability to be excellent talkers, their vocal tendencies can be diverted into words instead of noise. The youngsters, as with most parrots, also are well disciplined to teach them manners and acceptable behavior.

Hahn's -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise Level: Low to Moderate

Temperament:
The Hahn's macaw, though the smallest of the macaws, still acts similar to the larger ones. They are bold and outgoing, and fairly intelligent. They can be taught many tricks, and love to perform for a head scratch or a treat. They can be nippy on occasion, but that can be minimized by daily handling and proper discipline.

Interesting Facts:
Often confused for Noble Macaws, the Hahn's macaws are actually a smaller species with slightly different coloration.

Noble -

Talking Ability: Moderate

Noise Level: Low to Moderate

Temperament:
Like Hahn's Macaw, the Noble Macaw or Noble Mini-Macaw is a playful and boisterous pet. Noble Macaws seem to be especially talented at mimicking speech and are easily trainable. Noble Macaws crave attention and may be noisy, but if you do not mind the racket, these lovely birds provide hours of entertainment through their crazy antics.