In the wild. Joseph Forshaw (Parrots of the World) says one area is the Mato Grosso swamplands in Southwest Brazil In Bolivia and NW Argentina, flocks moved around according to season, for water access. They can stand a range of 20° F to 120° F, it is said.
 A handsome 15' generaIly green macaw with a yellow nape or collar, sometimes a fatter band of yellow. Blue primary wing feathers. Dr. Al Decoteau tells of an orangey band, perhaps on an unknown subspecies. When trained as young, excellent pets. Smart, nosy, quick learner, talker (some say up to 50 words), very loving, likes to be cuddled, Sweet, gentle. *Gail Worth, a breeder of mini-macaws at Ayes International in Southern California, quips that "For a huge personality in a smaller package, try working with minis, You will be rewarded with delightful, easy-to-rear, wonderful chicks" Easier macaws to house and care for in smaller homes.
 Squeeky, cute little voice, Fran Gonzales says that when the birds are excited or talk, they tend to stretch their necks as far as they can, and their eyes dilate. Can become jumpy or nervous in a home with lots of small children, inconsiderate adults, or lots of active animals. DVM Al Decoteau of Massachusetts relates of one which liked to walk on piano keys and swayed to the music it made as if dancing.
 Love baths. Slow, gentle misting. Clip wings essential. 50 year life span. Responsive, delightful birds. They like nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, and carrots and sweet potato partially softened, broccoli, corn on the cob, Pellets OK, but add the others too when birds are breeding. Some also feed them various beans, softened

Breeding Guide:

* Sexes alike in looks. DNA birds. Keep records, band, to keep sexes and genetic diversity identified.
* More than one pair turns on other pairs. Light blinds (wood, plastic) between cages is OK. New breeders near experienced pairs seems to be beneficial,
* Cage: 3-4'x3-4'x5-6' long. Since Yellow-collars are smaller, the lesser measurement might work well. Get them up off the ground at least 3-4'.
* Nest box: Horizontal, 12x12x24-36", pine shavings in bottom 3rd at level of the inspection door, Sliding doors in front of the hole are a good idea for all macaws in case they are aggressive in protecting their eggs, chicks, or abandoning them.
* L-shaped boxes work well too, Box holes away from direct sight give birds more security. Line the hole with tin to keep the hole from being enlarged.
*Perches at both ends of cage, higher than keeper's eyelevel.
*Breeders should be checked periodically for papillomas.
* Pairs nest readily, but new pairs may lay eggs several times
before they are fertile. Generally 2-3 eggs. Look for hatching
starts in 25 days. It may take a day or two for the chick to
come out of the egg.
*Parent-raised chicks are better for breeding.
*Since they flock by species in the wild, Worth suggests that the breeder specialize in the species rather than have one each of the minis: Severes, Hahn's, Red-bellieds, Illigers.
*It takes a while for grayish feet of the young to turn pink, the beak from horn to black,
*Bandin : 3/8" (#12) suggested.
*Fledge in 9 weeks.

Gail Worth

Reading Sources

*"Mini Macaws: Breeding the Species" Feb 96 by Gail Worth, Bird Breeder, Fancy Publications,, Dr. A. E.,Decoteau Handbook of Macaws TFH Publications, '82, Rosemary Low Macaws: A Complete Guide, 1990 (available from Avian PubI, 800-577-2473)

This Species Support Page is a publication of Bird Clubs of America, P0 Box 2005, Yorktown VA 23692 Dick Ivy Education Director-editor with mailing and production help of the Northwest Ohio Exotic Bird Club Toledo. It is sent free to Alliance Clubs, and may be reproduced with full credits by other club newsletters as well. Good for club libraries and copying to give to buyers. Nov. 98.

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