On observing the curious, powerful beak of a macaw, we at once see that
it must be an inhabitant of a region producing hard fruits, which
require the application of considerable strength to break them. At
morning and evening flocks of this large and richly-plumaged bird may be
observed flying across the streams in all directions--their loud, harsh
screams echoing among the forests through the calm air--wheeling and
turning before they alight on the tops of the palms to feed. They
belong to the Psittacidae, or parrot tribe, and are known at once by the
great length of their tails, and by having their cheeks destitute of
feathers.
There are several species which frequent the trees growing on wet and
swampy ground. The red and blue macaw, the largest and handsomest of
the family, is well described by Waterton. Rare in size and beauty
among all the parrots of South America, the macrocercus macao will force
you to take your eyes from the rest of animated nature and gaze at him.
His commanding strength, the flaming scarlet of his body, a lovely
variety of scarlet, yellow, blue, and green in his wings, the
extraordinary length of his scarlet and blue tail, seem all to join and
demand for him the title of Emperor of all the Parrots.
When the coucourite palm-trees have ripe fruit on them, they are covered
with this magnificent parrot. He is not shy or wary. You may take your
blow-pipe and a quiver of poisoned arrows, and kill more than you will
be able to carry to your hut. They are very vociferous; and, like the
common parrots, rise up in bodies towards sunset, and fly, two and two,
to their places of rest. It is a grand sight to see thousands of aras
flying over your head, low enough to let you have a full view of their
flaming mantles. The Indians find the flesh very good, and the feathers
serve for ornaments in their head-dresses.
Bates saw a flock feeding on the fruits of a Bacana palm, and looking
like a cluster of flaunting banners beneath its dark green crown.
They build their nests in the hollows of decayed trees, and lay twice in
the year--generally two eggs at a time, the male and female alternately
watching over them. They are said to increase the size of the hole with
their powerful beaks, should it not be sufficiently large for their
purpose. They fly to a distance of several miles to feed, but--like
rooks in England--return to their homes in the evening.
This macaw frequently measures, from the tip of the bill to the
extremity of the tail, forty inches and more.
There are, besides, several other species of the red and yellow, blue,
and blue and yellow, which equal the scarlet and blue in size,--their
habits being very similar. They are easily tamed, and can be taught to
repeat words, and sometimes even phrases. They are remarkable for their
longevity, some having been known to live to one hundred years.
The magnificent great green macaw is noted for his depredations on the
maize-fields; but, being a sagacious bird, he always places a sentinel
to give the alarm to his marauding associates when danger approaches.