What is the largest parrot in the world? A person who has not previously asked this question will surely answer unequivocally that this is - and will be almost right!

Beautifully colored, noisy and tall macaws personify the riot and luxury of tropical nature. In a large detachment of parrots, they are considered giants. But if you delve a little deeper into the taxonomy, it turns out that most of the representatives of this genus are birds of a very modest size and only 4 species are really large: a large green, red-blue, blue-yellow and green-winged macaw. Only now none of them bears the title of the largest.

The world's largest parrot

The largest parrot in the world is the hyacinth macaw, it is a close relative of the aforementioned parrots, but they belong to a different genus - the hyacinth macaw, in which, besides it, there are two more representatives: the small hyacinth and the gray-blue hyacinth macaw (presumably extinct).

But back to our record holder - the hyacinth macaw. In length, some individuals reach 1 meter, and weigh up to 1.5 kg. Females are slightly smaller and slimmer than males. There are hyacinth macaws in the Eastern and Central parts of Brazil. They are very beautiful parrots with bright blue plumage and a distinctive yellow eye ring.

Height or weight

If we approach the issue of size in terms of growth, the hyacinth macaw would remain an unprecedented leader, but there is another unusual representative in the parrot family - or the ground parrot. It belongs to the genus of owl parrots and can rightfully be considered the heaviest, does this mean that it is also the largest? With a body length of about 60 cm, a mature bird can weigh up to 4 kg. Kakapo are primarily distinguished by the fact that they have lost the ability to fly and lead a terrestrial lifestyle. True, sometimes they climb to the tops of trees and can plan from a height of up to 50 meters. Ground parrots are found in New Zealand, but, unfortunately, are on the verge of extinction.

Everything is relative

Touching on the topic of the largest parrots, one cannot fail to note the previously mentioned macaws, which only slightly lose to hyacinth birds in size. For example, the body length of a blue-yellow macaw ranges from 78-95 cm, weight is about 1.3 kg. Its relatives, green-winged and red macaws, grow up to 78-90 cm and weigh 1.4-1.7 kg.

bright plumage, interesting habits and the ability to copy human speech have made parrots one of the most beloved pets. Together with representatives of the corvidae family, or crows, parrots are considered the most intelligent birds living on Earth. Parrots are very sociable, cannot stand loneliness and get along well next to a person.

Of the huge number of different birds that live on our planet, one can always single out one representative who can be recognized immediately. And in fact, there is not a single person who would not recognize a parrot at first sight. To date, there are approximately 300 species of parrots, but today we will talk about the largest of them.

yellow-headed amazon

Yellow-headed Amazon (lat. Amazona oratrix) is a very beautiful green-yellow parrot. Meets in moist forests and high deciduous forests of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and northwestern Honduras. These colorful birds have a body length of 37 to 41 cm. Qualified as endangered. IN wild nature There are about 6,000 of them left.

blue-faced amazon

Blue-faced Amazon (lat. Amazona versicolor) - lives exclusively in the Lesser Antilles. This Amazon, like the yellow-headed Amazon, is on the verge of extinction. In 1980, the blue-faced Amazon was declared national bird Saint Lucia ( saint lucia). It is under state protection. At this time, only 450 individuals remained in the wild. This is a fairly large bird - up to 43 cm in length.

Large vase parrot

Large vase parrot (lat. Coracopsis vasa) - is considered one of the most unusual parrots on the planet. Dweller of dry deciduous forests Madagascar and the Comoros and the owner of an unremarkable gray plumage. The length of this parrot can be up to 50 cm. Most of the parrot's length falls on its tail.

Yellow-eared mourning cockatoo

Yellow-eared mourning cockatoo (lat. Calyptorhynchus funereus) is a rather large bird - up to 55-60 cm in length, weighing about 900 g. It learned its name thanks to the black plumage and a yellow spot on the head in the ear area. In females, this spot is much larger and brighter than in males.

Kakapo or owl parrot

Kakapo, or owl parrot (lat. Strigops habroptilus) - a rather rare parrot, large and even heavy build. Kakapo has lost the ability to actively fly. Prefers to walk rather than fly. Its body length is 60 cm, and its weight is about 4 kg. This type of parrot has a pleasant and strong smell that resembles the aroma of flower nectar or honey.

black cockatoo

Black cockatoo (lat. Probosciger aterrimus) is a larger representative of parrots. Body length from 70 to 80 cm, weight - 700-1000 g. It has a characteristic black plumage with an almost imperceptible shade of green. On the head is a beautiful large crest, which consists of long narrow feathers. In addition, this parrot has a large massive beak (8-10 cm in length). The black cockatoo is considered one of the largest parrots in the world.

red macaw

Red macaw (lat. Ara macao) is a very colorful and large bird that once seen, you will never forget. The body length can reach 90 cm, the wingspan is about 80 cm, the tail is 50-62 cm long. In some areas, these parrots are considered pests, as they often triple raids on agricultural land.

blue and yellow macaw

Blue-yellow macaws (lat. Ara ararauna) is another representative of the macaw genus. One of the most popular parrots that can be kept in the house. These are very sociable birds that require a lot of attention. The body length of the blue-yellow macaw is about 80 to 95 cm, and the wingspan is the same as that of the red macaws - about 80 cm.

hyacinth macaw

Hyacinth macaws (lat. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) - the largest and most "titled" parrot in the world. Considered the most expensive, rarest and most big bird of his family. Hyacinth macaws can grow up to 85-98 cm in length, and their weight can reach up to 1.5 kg. However, the wingspan of these parrots is less than that of the previous representatives (about 70-75 cm).

As we see representatives of the genus Ara (lat. Ara) are the largest among all parrots currently living on Earth. It is worth noting that today there are more than 350 species of parrots, but about 1/3 of them are under the threat of complete extinction. In addition, 72 species, as well as 14 subspecies, are listed in the IUCN Red Book.

Have you ever wondered what breed is the largest parrot in the world? For example, if you are a beginner breeder and want to purchase some exotic bird, then your choice will most likely be a large parrot with beautiful plumage.

In this case, a large parrot will be associated with the wealth of the owner and his excellent taste. However, large parrots often entail a number of serious problems. For example, you will not keep it without one suitable for large birds. However, we will talk about all this and much more in detail in the following article.

After you decide to choose one or another type of large parrots, the first thing you need to do is to get a suitable aviary or cage for it. At the same time, keep in mind that this problem is far from simple and requires a special approach. Surely you are aware that nest boxes are not suitable for any type of large parrot. Big birds just won't fit in them.

Therefore, first of all, you will need to decide on the dimensions of the purchased pet and, starting from them, choose housing for it. For example, for birds of breeds such as - or, a cage for large parrots with dimensions of 45 * 45 * 70 is suitable. Often they are in stock, in the free sale of most pet stores. However, if you purchased a larger bird. For example, or, then you can not do without an aviary.

At the same time, enclosures for large parrots are usually made to order. However, you will immediately need to prepare for the fact that it will take up a lot of space inside your apartment or house.

In addition, the acquisition of an aviary or cage is not all that you will encounter. Do not forget that you will have to purchase more than one for large parrots. The same applies to special accessories such as perches, drinkers, etc. Most of the listed items can be purchased at the same pet stores where you chose the cage for your pet.

As for the process of feeding purchased birds, then your parrots will need to purchase cereals and suitable grain mixtures in advance. When choosing them, keep one thing in mind. All mixtures sold in pet stores have long been labeled to tell you which type of bird it is best suited for. Thus, when choosing food for large parrots, you should be guided by the appropriate labels on the packages. It is especially popular.

At the end of the list of things necessary for your pet, we should mention the stand. They prefer to choose it not only from the options presented in the pet store, but also to buy it on order. In this case, you will surely get an excellent stand with many ladders, perches, swings and other structural details that will be able to keep your bird busy for hours.

Remember that it is especially relevant in cases where the owner is often not at home and the parrot needs to be occupied with something for a while.

Types of large parrots

hyacinth macaw

The representative of this species of birds is considered to be the largest parrot in the world. The growth of an adult can reach up to an impressive hundred centimeters. Add to everything else the incredible beauty of plumage, and you get one of the most beautiful birds on earth.

The largest parrots in the world weigh relatively little. About one and a half kilograms. Which, in turn, is even smaller than a number of other birds. However, heavier individuals of parrots of other species do not have such impressive body dimensions. For example, the scope of this handsome man reaches seventy centimeters.

However, if you are seriously thinking about acquiring the largest one, then we will be forced to disappoint you to some extent. The price of these beauties is very high, so they are available only to wealthy and wealthy people.

When purchasing this type of bird, you will definitely need to choose a suitable stand for it.

Like the previous species of parrots, it has a huge growth by the standards of birds. However, this type of parrot is somewhat smaller than. The maximum recorded growth of blue-and-yellow macaws was within ninety-five centimeters.

Thanks to its magnificent plumage, this parrot quickly won love among bird breeders. In addition, there is a high probability that you can teach him a few simple phrases.

Kakapo

This bird species is also known by the name. Despite the fact that its height is significantly lower than that of the macaws described above, and often does not exceed sixty centimeters, its weight is quite large. An adult can weigh about four kilograms. Which, in turn, is much more than even such a giant as the geacinth macaw.

However, you are unlikely to be able to get yourself a bird of this species. has long been listed as an endangered species and is distributed only in New Zealand.

Yellow-eared mourning cockatoo

The characteristic name of this parrot is explained by the peculiarities of the color of the plumage of the bird, among the shades of which there is completely no white color.

The weight of this handsome man does not even reach a kilogram with a height of about sixty centimeters. However, the greatest interest in this species of birds is manifested not only because of their unusual appearance but thanks to their docile nature. This type birds easily get along with the person who tamed him.

If you want to purchase one, then do not forget that you will need a large and spacious cage and a game stand.

yellow-headed amazon

If you like big and talking parrots, then do not use the opportunity to turn your attention specifically to the yellow-headed Amazon. Thanks to their intellectual abilities, they can easily learn a few words and insert them during your conversations.

However, given that this is an endangered species and there are about six thousand individuals left in the world, then it will be quite problematic to acquire such a parrot for yourself.

The parrot is one of the most common birds ever tamed by man. Everyone recognizes this bird, it is so famous and popular. To date, there are about 300 - 350 species. Some of them are already considered extinct, others are listed in the Red Book.

There are really a lot of parrots. They are bright and not very bright, active and calm, warlike and peaceful, talkative and silent, small and large. Today we will talk about the largest parrots, about the features of their character and content. Most often among lovers of birds there are three types:

Let's consider them in more detail.

Ara parrot

This parrot is considered the most difficult to keep at home. This is a very beautiful bright bird is really different large sizes: An adult can reach 1 meter in length. Naturally, it is not possible to find a place for such a giant in every apartment. In addition, Macaw is a dominant bird. Even if she has lived with a person for several years, she will not give up trying to win a leading position in their relationship. Of course, this results in all sorts of "disagreements" between the bird and the owner. A person needs to have a considerable supply of patience and tact, so as not to turn a good companion into a dangerous opponent with a powerful beak. The macaw itself is a smart and playful bird. With the right approach to learning, he quickly begins to speak well: he is able to learn up to 20 - 30 words. Among the macaws, the most common species found in the home are:

red macaw

Quite large and beautiful bird. Body length can reach up to 90 cm, wingspan - up to 80 cm, tail length - up to 60 cm.

blue and yellow macaw

The most popular large parrot that can be kept at home. The body length reaches 95 cm, the wingspan is 80 cm. This is a very sociable bird that loves to play. She needs a lot of attention from the owner.

hyacinth macaw

This is the largest, rarest and most expensive parrot of the macaw family. Individual individuals can reach up to 1 meter in length, and their body weight - up to 1.5 kg, although at the same time its wingspan is less than that of its previous counterparts - about 75 cm.

Representatives of the macaw family are by far the largest parrots that are found on our planet.

These parrots are funny and nimble birds. Excellent tricksters, they are easy to train: by nature they are lovers of squats and funny bows. All this makes these birds popular domestic birds. The body length of an adult Cockatoo can reach 60 cm. A special distinguishing feature of the cockatoo is a beautiful crest on the head. It is a kind of barometer of the parrot's mood. If the bird is tense or extremely interested, then a row of long feathers on the head straightens, forming a kind of mohawk crest. This makes him cute and funny. The cockatoo learns to speak easily, but, unfortunately, like the macaw, it is not able to remember many words (its limit is 10 - 20 words). But at the same time they are wonderful imitators. With pleasure they imitate the sounds of the house, the voices of animals, copy the favorite songs of the owners, which they sing. The most common types in houses:

Yellow-eared mourning cockatoo. This is a rather large parrot - about 55 - 60 cm in length, the weight of individual individuals reaches 900 grams. Own unusual name received due to black plumage and a yellow spot next to the ear. Black cockatoo. This bird is much larger than its counterparts in this family. Its body reaches a length of 80 cm, weight ranges from 700 to 1000 grams. The parrot has a very beautiful black plumage with a subtle greenish tint. On the head - long narrow feathers fold into a beautiful tuft. The black cockatoo is one of the ten largest parrots in the world.

Jaco is a parrot that is 100% suitable for home keeping. He has a playful and friendly disposition. We can easily teach both various tricks (dances, bows, etc.) and conversation. Moreover, Jaco's conversation, unlike other parrots, is meaningful. He not only remembers the words, but also pronounces them to the point, i.e. logically thoughtful. Some individuals even memorize poetry. The appearance of a Jaco is not as bright as, for example, a macaw, it is a gray bird with bright feathers only on its tail. But this does not at all detract from its main advantages, and Jaco rightfully enjoys the universal love of many bird lovers.

Of course, the maintenance of large parrots entails a lot of trouble, since in order to comfortably arrange a rather rather large bird, the owners need to work hard. The most important thing is to think about what should be the cage for a large parrot. Large parrots such as macaws or cockatoos should ideally be kept in an aviary. The room should be such that the bird can spread its large wings without touching the walls of the cage. This is the main selection criterion.

Cage for large parrots

The cage must be made of stainless material and be all-metal. The rods should be about 4 mm in diameter and not painted. The fact is that parrots love to gnaw everything - this fate will not escape the cage. That is why the cage should not have any poisonous chemical substances so that the bird is not poisoned.

We must not forget about the high intelligence of large parrots. They are very smart and capable of many things. In particular, if you do not take care of a lock with a key or a very tight spring, then the parrot will easily get out and only “horns and legs” can remain from your apartment. Remember this. Do not underestimate their talents. Cages for large parrots should be equipped with a retractable tray, which is separated from the cage by a metal mesh that prevents the bird from eating food that has fallen into the garbage and droppings.

Perches, on which parrots love to sit so much, should be made of hardwood species: beech, ash, oak, apple. At the same time, the diameter of the perch should be such that the bird's fingers do not close (this will prevent many diseases of the paws). Perches should be washed regularly with boiling water and replaced with new ones in time. Feeders and drinkers must first of all be strong in order to withstand the onslaught of strong beaks. The number of feeders is usually determined by the number of types of food.

Large parrots do not need a separate bath - they can bathe under a spray bottle or right in a cage under shower jets. Large parrots are not cheap, they are not easy to get, caring for them requires certain knowledge and skills, but at the same time they are very interesting, funny, intelligent birds, real companions for humans. Often they become full-fledged members of the family, whom all its members love very much.

Parrots are the most diverse and beautiful creatures of our planet, which, with their bright plumage, can stagger our imagination. These birds are extremely intelligent and emotional, they have a cheeky nature, are curious and are considered the most intelligent birds.

More than 350 species of parrots are known, most of which settled in the tropical regions of Australia, Central and South America. The most popular species of birds are wavy, cockatoos, lovebirds, grays, cockatiels, amazons and macaws - a species that has the largest representatives (red, blue-yellow), the species to which belongs the largest parrot in the world - hyacinth.

Parrots amaze not only with the variety of plumage colors, but also with their dimensions. There are species whose size is small and is only a few cm, but parrots of considerable size, whose length reaches a meter, attract the main attention and interest.

most valuable parrot

The parrot, which in terms of size, value and uniqueness is the leader among other types of parrots, is the hyacinth macaw. The length reaches 1 meter, with a relatively small weight (1.5-2 kg), life expectancy is up to 90 years. Macaw nests in hollows of trees and creates married couple for life. One of the striking features of the hyacinth macaw: despite its size and large powerful beak- the bird is very gentle and funny.

Distinctive feature parrot - impressively beautiful dark blue plumage, contrasting with a yellow ring around the eyes and a yellow patch of skin next to bottom beak. However, such a flash of color in the wild is becoming increasingly rare. The hyacinth macaw, due to its spectacular plumage and indicators that led to the highest price for these birds, has always been captured and destroyed. Unfortunately, this has led to the threat of extinction of this species.

The largest representative of the cockatoo

What parrot can compete in parameters with a hyacinth macaw? Of course, the black cockatoo, known as the Goliath cockatoo. Of all the parrot species that look almost exactly like this cockatoo, it is the largest. It reaches a size of 60 cm and a weight of 1000 g, is able to live in captivity for up to 90 years (the life expectancy of birds in the wild is not exactly known).

The black cockatoo, unlike other birds of its kind, does not live in a flock; it spends its entire life with only one partner. The male convinces him to choose the female by creating several impressive hollows, showing this to the chosen one, along with a demonstration of his massive beak, red cheeks and wingspan.

This species of cockatoo is endangered due to progress that destroys their habitat and the sociable nature of the birds, which leads to their capture and sale.

Yellow-crested cockatoo - prominent representatives of their kind, they are slightly inferior in size to the black cockatoo and are the opposite of them in color. The name of the bird gives an idea of ​​the nature of its color - it is a bright yellow tuft against a white plumage. Yellow-crested cockatoos are beautiful, smart, friendly, affectionate, able to easily tame and become attached to a person, very popular among exotic lovers.

The size of the bird is 40-55 cm, weight - 800 g, while the Australian subspecies is much larger than the subspecies from New Guinea. This is Australia's most famous parrot. Yellow-crested cockatoos are social, living in large noisy flocks. They spend most of their day searching for food, damaging and damaging crops and fruit crops planted by Australian farmers.

The largest parrots amaze not only with their size, but also with the qualities that are inherent in these birds. Charm, intelligence, tenderness, bright plumage, sociability and love for a person - this is what all types of parrots will always be interesting and attractive to us.