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Macaws are famous for their beautiful feathers and various colors that captivate bird lovers. Purple in macaws is a controversial subject, and there are several names for this type of color. Many people believe that the purple macaw doesn’t exit. The color exists, but it is not a true color or a valid name for the macaw species. The purple macaw is not a typical species kept as a pet due to its extreme size, but it is often displayed in zoos.
The actual color does not look purple; however, the genus and tones are what give the birds their unique names besides purple:
- Hyacinth macaw
- Violet dreams macaw
- Blue macaw
- Rio macaw
- South American macaw
- Giant macaw
This article will inform you of everything you need to know about this rare coloration and where it originates from.
Information Sheet
| Height: | 35–40 inches |
| Weight: | 3–4 pounds |
| Individual wingspan: | 14–16 inches |
| Care level: | Difficult |
| Lifespan: | 40–60 years |
| Diet: | Granivores |
| Minimum enclosure size: | 100 inches in width and 200 inches in height |
| Companionship: | breeding pairs |
Are Purple Macaws Real?
Purple-colored macaws are not scientifically referred to as purple macaws but are correctly called Hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthine), which are the largest species of parrots kept in captivity. You see, the enigmatic purple macaw has not been seen or captured to be documented as a definite color, and there is no proof that an entirely purple macaw exists. The rare violet hyacinth macaw appears as a light shade of purple under bright lights, which can lead people to believe that the color is entirely purple.
Hyacinth parrots look like a mixture of dark blue and a dark shade of violet. Their colors change slightly under different light settings and can sometimes appear as an iridescent hue. They are very attractive parrots, and their color is mesmerizing.
The Hyacinth macaw grows to an extreme length of 40 inches. This is quite an overwhelming size for many bird owners. There is a lot of pressure to provide them with a large cage that does not easily fit in many households. Hyacinth macaws need a large enclosure underneath a tree with shelter from the elements. The best option is to keep them in large aviaries that can be constructed in a garden.
Where Do Purple Macaws Originate from?
This parrot originates from central to eastern South America, where they spend most of their time in palm trees. Their primary diet is palm nuts, alongside different fruits and insects. Hyacinth macaws live in parts of Brazil, north-eastern Paraguay, and eastern Bolivia. They prefer to live in lightly forested areas so that they have enough space to fly between leaves and branches. They inhabit palm swamps and flooded grasslands. Most hyacinth macaws live in the Pantanal region of Brazil, which is why they are also referred to as the “Rio” macaw.
- See Also: Glaucous Macaw Bird Species
How Much Does a Purple Macaw Cost?
The overall price of a typical macaw parrot varies. They can cost $500 to $1,000, depending on the color, species, and size. The hyacinth macaw costs around $1,500 to $2,000 due to its uniqueness. This color can only be obtained through a skilled breeder who can produce the perfect violet coloration in their parrots.
Are Purple Macaws Friendly?
Once tamed, Hyacinth macaws make very friendly and interactive pets. They should be tamed from a young age to develop a stronger bond with their owners. They can be boisterous when they become agitated or are in the presence of an unfamiliar pet or human. Do be careful; large parrots can have a nasty bite! Their beaks are typically the size of an average human thumb.
When they are kept in the right environment with plenty of toys and enrichment, they will settle into their environment and become long-term commitment pets. Hyacinth macaws are very vocal and make various noises throughout the day. This is one reason that they make poor pets alongside their space requirements, and the noise can be heard from kilometers away. They are known to be attention seekers and will screech until their owners acknowledge them.
The 5 Facts About Purple Macaws
- The Hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot but not the heaviest. They are quite light for their overall size.
- The glowing blue color can appear violet, which leads them to be called purple macaws.
- Their primary diet consists of grains like nuts, which makes them strictly granivores.
- Hyacinth macaws are extremely intelligent and have the intellect of a 4-year-old child.
- Hyacinth macaws are threatened with endangerment due to habitat loss, land clearing for farming, and the pet bird trading industry.
Conclusion
Although the Purple macaw is actually a Hyacinth macaw, their violet-colored feathers are incredibly stunning. The true name and color can easily get mixed up. Hyacinth macaws can be lovely pets when cared for properly. Once they have been provided with the appropriate environment and lots of love from their caregiver, they can become fun and trouble-free pets.
We hope this has helped clear up any misinformation about the purple macaw!
Featured Image Credit: martinkukla865, Pixabay
