The macaw is a type of a parrot, long tailed and often quite colorful in appearance. They can be anywhere from 13-40 inches long. They are native to Mexico, Central America, South America. Most live within forests, especially rainforests, but there are also others that prefer woodland or savannahs.

Macaws eat a variety of things including seeds, nuts, fruits, palm fruits, leaves, flowers, and stems. The larger of the species may forage over a wide area of over 100 km (62 mi) for food.

Some macaws have been shown to be able to use tools such as rope to fetch things that would be otherwise difficult to reach.

Many of the macaw species are vulnerable to extinction, the greatest problems threatening the macaw population are deforestation and illegal trapping for the bird trade.