The Most Beautiful Macaw, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Macaw you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:19

In the lush rainforests, the vibrant hues of Macaws break the green monotony, captivating bird lovers and casual observers alike. If you've ever marveled at the flashes of color these birds bring to their natural habitats, you might have pondered over which is the most visually striking. Such rankings not only satisfy curiosity but also enhance our appreciation of biodiversity. By participating in voting for the most beautiful Macaw, enthusiasts and experts can share their opinions and observations. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of public perception, potentially influencing conservation priorities. Moreover, your involvement brings a sense of community amongst those who share this avian passion.

What Is the Most Beautiful Macaw?

1

62
votes
Nori Almeida · CC BY 2.0

Hyacinth Macaw

With its vibrant blue feathers and large size, the Hyacinth Macaw is often considered the most beautiful macaw species.
The Hyacinth Macaw is a stunning species of macaw known for its vibrant and intense blue coloration. It is the largest species of flying parrot in the world and its beauty is unrivaled. The feathers on its head, neck, and back are a deep cobalt blue, while the underside is a vibrant light blue. The beak is strong and curved, colored in a bright black. With its majestic appearance and impressive size, the Hyacinth Macaw is truly a sight to behold.

Scientific Name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

Size: Approximately 100 cm (39 inches) in length

Weight: Up to 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs)

Wingspan: Approximately 130 cm (51 inches)

Coloration: Deep cobalt blue with vibrant light blue underside
Hyacinth Macaw in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful parrot
2

36
votes
Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw's bright red, blue, and yellow feathers create a stunning visual display.
The Scarlet Macaw is a large and vibrant species of parrot that is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Its striking plumage features a brilliant mix of red, blue, and yellow colors, making it a truly stunning sight to behold. The Scarlet Macaw is known for its long tail feathers and a large, curved beak.

Scientific Name: Ara macao

Size: Approximately 81–96 cm (32–38 in) in length

Weight: 900–1,400 grams (2–3 pounds)

Wingspan: 110–140 cm (43–55 in)

Lifespan: Approximately 40–50 years
Scarlet Macaw in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful parrot
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful bird in the whole world
3

26
votes
Arjan Haverkamp · CC BY 2.0

Green-winged Macaw

The Green-winged Macaw's green and red feathers make it a striking bird to see in the wild.
The Green-winged Macaw, scientifically known as Ara chloropterus, is a majestic and colorful parrot species that belongs to the macaw family. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful macaws due to its vibrant plumage and impressive size.

Average Length: 33-39 inches (85-99 cm)

Average Weight: 3.3-4.4 pounds (1.5-2 kg)

Wingspan: About 48 inches (122 cm)

Lifespan: Up to 60 years

Coloration: Mainly red and green feathers with blue and yellow accents
Green-winged Macaw in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful parrot
4

19
votes
Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 3.0

Blue-and-yellow Macaw

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw's contrasting blue and yellow feathers make it a popular pet and a beautiful bird to observe in nature.
The Blue-and-yellow Macaw, scientifically known as Ara ararauna, is a stunningly beautiful parrot species with vibrant blue and golden yellow plumage. It is one of the most recognizable and sought-after macaws in the world.

Scientific Name: Ara ararauna

Common Name: Blue-and-yellow Macaw

Size: 85-90 cm (33-36 in) in length

Weight: About 1.2-1.5 kg (2.6-3.3 lb)

Plumage Colors: Bright blue, yellow, and touches of green
5

11
votes
Dominic Sherony · CC BY-SA 2.0

Military Macaw

The Military Macaw's green and red feathers with a touch of blue on their wings are a dazzling sight to see.
The Military Macaw is a stunningly beautiful parrot species found in the wild in parts of Mexico and Central America. With its vibrant combination of green, red, and blue feathers, this macaw is widely admired for its striking appearance and elegance.

Scientific Name: Ara militaris

Average Length: 70 cm (27.5 in)

Wingspan: 100-117 cm (39-46 in)

Weight: 900-1,100 grams (2-2.4 lbs)

Plumage Colors: Green, red, blue, and black
6

8
votes
Red-fronted Macaw

The Red-fronted Macaw's colorful feathers are a mix of red, green, and blue, creating a unique and beautiful appearance.
The Red-fronted Macaw is a stunning species of macaw known for its vibrant plumage and striking appearance. It is considered one of the most beautiful macaws due to its unique combination of colors and distinct features.

Scientific Name: Ara rubrogenys

Average Length: 45-50 cm

Weight: 400-600 grams

Coloring: Bright green body feathers, vivid red forehead, white facial patch, blue wings, and tail feathers with red at the tip

Lifespan: Approximately 30-40 years
7

11
votes
Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Blue-throated Macaw

With its blue throat and yellow feathers, the Blue-throated Macaw is a rare and stunning bird.
The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a stunning and critically endangered species of macaw known for its vibrant plumage and distinct blue throat. This majestic bird is endemic to a small region in Bolivia and is highly sought after by bird enthusiasts worldwide.

Scientific Name: Ara glaucogularis

Conservation Status: Critically endangered

Habitat: Palm savannas, palm groves, and marshy areas

Average Length: 85-90 cm (33-36 inches)

Wingspan: 110-120 cm (43-47 inches)
8

7
votes
Bernard DUPONT · CC BY-SA 2.0

Golden-collared Macaw

The Golden-collared Macaw's striking yellow and green feathers make it a beautiful bird to see in its natural habitat.
The Golden-collared Macaw (Primolius auricollis) is a stunning species of macaw known for its vibrant and colorful plumage. It is predominantly green in color, with a golden-yellow collar on its upper back and a turquoise-blue rump. The wings display a combination of blue, green, and red feathers, while the tail is long and tapered with a mix of blue and green shades. This macaw has a relatively small size, reaching about 33 centimeters (13 inches) in length.

Scientific Name: Primolius auricollis

Average Length: 33 centimeters (13 inches)

Coloration: Mainly green with golden-yellow collar, turquoise-blue rump, and blue, green, and red feathers on wings

Tail: Long and tapered, displaying shades of blue and green

Habitat: Tropical rainforests and savannas of South America
9

6
votes
Hans Norelius from Älvsjö, Sweden · CC BY 2.0

Buffon's Macaw

The Buffon's Macaw's vivid green and blue feathers give it a regal appearance.
Buffon's Macaw, also known as the Great Green Macaw, is a strikingly beautiful parrot known for its vibrant colors and large size. It is considered one of the most magnificent macaw species. The macaw was named after Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, a French naturalist and ornithologist who first described it in the 18th century.

Scientific Name: Ara ambiguus

Average Length: 85-90 cm

Wingspan: 110-125 cm

Weight: 1-1.5 kg

Primary Colors: Green, blue, yellow, and a touch of red
10

5
votes
Bourjot Saint-Hilaire · Public domain

Glaucous Macaw

Although extinct since the mid-20th century, the Glaucous Macaw's striking blue feathers made it one of the most beautiful macaw species ever recorded.
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is a species of macaw known for its stunning beauty. It is characterized by vibrant blue plumage with a hint of gray, a large and powerful beak, and a long tail. The feathers on its head are slightly lighter in color, creating a beautiful contrast. This macaw is considered one of the rarest and most critically endangered bird species in the world.

Scientific Name: Anodorhynchus glaucus

Average Length: 85 cm (33.5 in)

Wingspan: 120 cm (47 in)

Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)

Lifespan: Estimated to be around 40-50 years

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Ranking factors for beautiful Macaw

Size and Proportions

Macaws vary in size, with some being significantly larger than others. A well-proportioned macaw with a balanced body size, wingspan, and tail length can be more visually appealing.
Feather Quality

A macaw with clean, smooth, and well-kept feathers will look more beautiful than a macaw with poorly groomed or damaged feathers. Look for healthy and glossy feathers that lay flat against the body.
Eye Appearance

The appearance of the macaw's eyes can contribute to its overall beauty. Look for bright, clear, and lively eyes that show the bird's personality and alertness.
Facial Markings

Some macaw species have unique and distinctive facial markings, such as the bare facial patches on the hyacinth macaw or the blue and yellow facial markings on the blue-and-gold macaw. These markings can contribute to the overall attractiveness of the bird.
Behavior and Personality

A macaw's beauty can also be influenced by its behavior and personality. A friendly, confident, and interactive macaw can be more appealing than a shy or aggressive bird.
Rarity

Some macaw species are rarer than others, and their rarity can make them more interesting and beautiful in the eyes of enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Conservation Status

A macaw species that is endangered or has a conservation success story can be considered more beautiful due to the added value of its survival and protection.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful Macaw. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Macaw is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2549 views
185 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Macaw once every 24 hours. The rank of each Macaw is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful macaw

Macaws are a group of colorful parrots native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Among them, the most popular and strikingly beautiful are the Scarlet Macaw, the Blue and Gold Macaw, and the Hyacinth Macaw. Each of these species boasts a unique combination of vibrant colors and striking patterns, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Their intelligence, social nature, and impressive vocal abilities also make them popular as pets. However, it's important to remember that owning a macaw requires a lot of care and attention, as they can live for up to 50 years in captivity.