Macaws are small to large, long tailed, often colorful New World parrots. Of the many different Psittacidae (true parrots) genera, six are classified as Macaws. They are native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and formerly the Caribbean. Most species are associated with forests, especially rainforests, but others prefer woodland or savannah-like
These parrots eat a variety of foods including fruits, palm fruits, nuts, leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems. Wild species may forage widely in search of seasonally available foods. Some foods eaten by Macaws in the wild contain toxic or caustic substances which they are unable to digest. It has been suggested that Parrots and Macaws in the Amazon basin eat clay from exposed river banks to neutralize these toxins.
Toucans are members of the family Ramphastidae. They are closely related to the American barbets. Toucans are brightly marked and have large, often colorful bills. The family includes five genera and about forty different species. They range in size from the Lettered Aracari (Pteroglossus inscriptus), at about 4.6 ounces and almost 12 inches long, to the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco), at 1.5 pounds and about 29 inches long. Their bodies are short and compact. The tail is rounded and varies in length, from half the length to the whole length of the body. The neck is short and thick. The wings are small, as they are forest-dwelling birds and only need to fly short distances.
Most Toucans are primarily frugivorous (fruit eating), but are opportunistically omnivorous and will take prey such as insects and small lizards. Captive Toucans have been known to hunt insects actively in their cages, and it is possible to keep Toucans on an insect-only diet. They also plunder nests of smaller birds, taking eggs and nestlings, if the opportunity presents itself.
Parakeet is a term for any one of a large number of unrelated, small to medium sized species of parrots, and they generally have long tail feathers. The word "parakeet" means long tail. They are small to medium sized birds with long, tapered tails rather than having the stockier bodies and more square-shaped tails found on larger parrots.
These colorful and graceful birds are full of energy. Being flock birds, parakeets are very social with each other and with people. They love attention and are some of the most popular pet birds. There are many different types of Parakeets and they all have dazzling, colorful plumages. The Budgie or Budgerigar, which is called "Parakeet" in the United States, is one of the best-known parakeets. However, there are more than 120 species and sub-species of this beautiful bird.
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