Macaws are interactive, social beings that are fun to have around. If you are like most macaw owners, you likely wonder whether your pet bird really likes you or if they are just being sociable, like they would be with any human or bird companion. There are a few signs you can look for that indicate that your macaw has created a special bond with you. Here are the most common ones.
The 8 Signs That Your Macaw Likes You
1. They Mimic You
If your macaw spends most of their time mimicking what you say and do, it means that they focus on you and your actions more than they focus on other things, and this is a surefire sign that they have bonded to you. They may still mimic other people living in your household, but you know that you are in good with your macaw if they mimic you more often than anyone or anything else.
2. They Want to Cuddle
A bird that likes to cuddle with their owner more than with anyone else is a bird that feels comfortable and safe with their owner. Cuddling is something that a macaw would do with their mate, parents, or babies, depending on what stage of life that they are in. If your bird likes cuddling with you, it is safe to say that you are considered an important part of their family.
3. They Want to Preen You
Birds have an instinct to preen themselves and their bird companions in an attempt to stay clean and healthy. A macaw that trusts and loves their owner will sometimes try to preen their owner’s eyelashes and hair when spending time together. This is an act of companionship that is reserved only for those that the bird respects and trusts.
4. They Get Excited Whenever You Arrive
Another sign that your macaw likes you is if they get excited every time you arrive home from being away, even if for just a few minutes. You will know that your macaw is excited when they screech, whistle, sing, or welcome you home with a bobbing head.
5. They Do Not Like Being Away from You
If your macaw likes you, chances are that they will not let you get away with hanging out at home without being right by your side. Whether you are doing the dishes, watching television, or working on the computer, your bird will want to be right there in the middle of the action because you are the center of their attention.
6. They Wag Their Tail
Macaws can wag their tails like dogs can, even if the movement is not as dramatic. A macaw that loves their owner may start to wag their tail of feathers when you walk in the room, which is a sure sign that you are the center of your bird’s affection. Keep in mind that not all macaws wag their tails, so if yours doesn’t do so, don’t take it as a sign that they do not like you.
7. They Stay Relaxed Around You
If a macaw is not comfortable with or trusting of their owner, body language will make it apparent. The bird will stand straight and still, looking almost rigid. However, a macaw that likes spending time with their owner and feels comfortable in their environment will relax their body language. The bird may sway, loosen their feathers, and just look relaxed in general.
8. They Try to Feed You
Macaws like to feed companions that they are fond of. They do so by regurgitating their food and then offering it up for another bird to eat. If your pet bird regurgitates their food and then drops it in front of you, it means that they think of you as part of their family. The process is gross, but luckily, macaws do not regurgitate that much food.
Final Thoughts
If your macaw displays just one of the signs listed here, you can be confident that they like you and appreciate your company. There are all kinds of ways that your macaw may show that they like you, so do not rely only on this list. Be open-minded and attentive, and you are sure to spot signs of affection several times a day.
Related Reads:
- Is The Blue Macaw Extinct?
- How Long Do Scarlet Macaws Live? Vet Reviewed Average Lifespan, Data & Care
Featured Image Credit: Sandro Riedmann Shutterstock
2 Responses
Thank you for the helpful info’ A Polish neighbour asked me to do something with a bird on her 7th floor balcony. So assuming it was an ill pigeon I went to have a look. How wrong my assumption was. I looked on her balcony and there was a green and gold macaw! I slowly approached it expecting it to fly away. It didn’t so I collected a spare cage from home, went back and slowly lowered it over the macaw. Got back home and let the macaw loose in my hallway. Being a holiday period no pet shop open so I offered it a monkey nut which it took from my hand. Gave it some apple and carrot. The macaw is very friendly and seems to love flying onto my shoulder. Seems to be very trusting and I’m pleased I saved the macaw from a bad existence outside not knowing how to find food and possibly being attacked by wild birds. Crows, magpies, seagulls and owls live around where I live. I will attempt to find the owner. If no responsible owner can be found I intend to take the macaw to the vet for a health check up and purchase a large cage. It seems content for now just being loose in my hallway. I have other small birds at home which is the reason I had a spare cage (used for trips to the vet). I call the macaw Jabi. That’s about it then except to say thank you again for the info’ and to wish you a lovely 2025
Hello John,
thank you for sharing such a wonderful story with us! It doesn’t happen every day to catch a macaw on a balcony.
Good luck with finding an owner, however by the sound of it, it seems that the two of you became great friends already!
Thank you and best wishes to you into 2025 as well!