Macaw vs. Parrot — What's the Difference?

A large, colorful bird of the parrot family, native to rainforests.

Conservation status varies, with some species endangered.

Can mimic human speech.

A bird with a curved beak, belonging to many species.

Social birds that mate for life.

Diet varies by species, including seeds, fruits, and nectar.

Known for their strong beaks and loud calls.

Many species are capable of mimicking sounds.

Requires specialized care as pets.

Exhibits diverse social behaviors.

Macaws are a group of New World parrots that are long-tailed and often colorful. They are popular in aviculture or as companion parrots, although there are conservation concerns about several species in the wild.

Parrots, also known as psittacines , are birds of the roughly 398 species in 92 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes , found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three superfamilies: the Psittacoidea ("true" parrots), the Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and the Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots).

Any of various parrots of several genera found in Mexico and South and Central America, including the largest parrots and characterized by a long tail, curved powerful bill, and usually brilliant plumage.

Any of numerous primarily tropical and subtropical birds of the order Psittaciformes, characterized by a short hooked bill, brightly colored plumage, and, in some species, the ability to mimic human speech or other sounds.

Any of various parrots of the genera Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca, Primolius and Diopsittaca of Central and South America, including the largest parrots and characterized by long sabre-shaped tails, curved powerful bills, and usually brilliant plumage.

One who imitates the words or actions of another, especially without understanding them.

Any parrot of the genus Ara, Sittace, or Macrocercus. About eighteen species are known, all of them found in Central and South America. They are large and have a very long tail, a strong hooked bill, and a naked space around the eyes. The voice is harsh, and the colors are brilliant and strongly contrasted; they are among the largest and showiest of parrots. Different species names have been given to the same macaw, as for example the Hyacinthine macaw, which has been variously classified as Anodorhyncus hyacynthinus, Anodorhyncus maximiliani, and Macrocercus hyacynthinus.

To repeat or imitate, especially without understanding.

Long-tailed brilliantly colored parrot of Central America and South America; among the largest and showiest of parrots

A kind of bird, many species of which are colorful and able to mimic human speech, of the order Psittaciformes or (narrowly) of the family Psittacidae.

A parroter; a person who repeats the words or ideas of others.

(archaic) A puffin.

Channel coal.

A transponder.

(transitive) To repeat (exactly what has just been said) without necessarily showing understanding, in the manner of a parrot.

In a general sense, any bird of the order Psittaci.

Any species of Psittacus, Chrysotis, Pionus, and other genera of the family Psittacidæ, as distinguished from the parrakeets, macaws, and lories. They have a short rounded or even tail, and often a naked space on the cheeks. The gray parrot, or jako (Psittacus erithacus) of Africa (see Jako), and the species of Amazon, or green, parrots (Chrysotis) of America, are examples. Many species, as cage birds, readily learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases.

To repeat by rote, without understanding, as a parrot.

To chatter like a parrot.

Usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds

A copycat who does not understand the words or acts being imitated

Repeat mindlessly;

Yes, while many parrots are native to tropical regions, some species adapt to temperate climates.

While many macaws can mimic speech, their ability varies individually and by species.

Laws vary by location, but generally, it is legal with proper permits and care considerations.

Supporting habitat conservation efforts and adopting pets from reputable sources can help.

No, parrot diets vary widely among species, from seeds and nuts to fruits and nectar.

Habitat loss, the pet trade, and hunting have led to the endangerment of many species.

Macaws are notably larger and more colorful than many other parrot species, with strong beaks for cracking hard nuts.

Many macaw species are threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade, necessitating focused conservation efforts.

Lifespan varies widely; macaws can live up to 50 years or more, while other parrots have varied lifespans.

Macaws can be very social and bond closely with their human caretakers when raised in captivity.

While most parrots are capable of flight, some species, like the Kakapo, are flightless.

With careful introduction and monitoring, different species can coexist, depending on their temperaments.

Macaws require significant space, mental stimulation, and a commitment to their long lifespan.

The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest macaw species, known for its striking blue feathers.

Parrots use a variety of sounds, body language, and even mimicry to communicate.