Of the many different Psittacidae (true parrots) genera, six are classified as macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. Previously, the members of the genus Primolius were placed in Propyrrhura, but the former is correct in accordance with ICZN rules.[2] In addition, the related macaw-like thick-billed parrot is sometimes referred to as a "macaw", although it is not phylogenetically considered to be a macaw species. Macaws are native to Central America and North America (only Mexico), South America, and formerly the Caribbean. Most species are associated with forests, but others prefer woodland or savannah-like habitats.[3]

Proportionately larger beaks, long tails, and relatively bare, light-coloured medial (facial patch) areas distinguish macaws from other parrots. Sometimes the facial patch is smaller in some species and limited to a yellow patch around the eyes and a second patch near the base of the beak in the members of the genus Anodorhynchus. A macaw's facial feather pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.[4]

The largest macaws are the hyacinth, Buffon's (great green) and green-winged macaws. While still relatively large parrots, mini-macaws of the genera Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca and Primolius are significantly smaller than the members of Anodorhynchus and Ara. The smallest member of the family, the red-shouldered macaw, is no larger than some parakeets of the genus Aratinga.[3]

Macaws, like other parrots, toucans and woodpeckers, are zygodactyl, having their first and fourth toes pointing backward.[3]

Species in taxonomic order

There are 19 species of macaws, including extinct and critically endangered species.[5] In addition, there are several hypothetical extinct species that have been proposed based on very little evidence.[6]

Anodorhynchus
Glaucous macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus (critically endangered or extinct)
Hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
Indigo macaw or Lear's macaw, Anodorhynchus leari
Cyanopsitta
Little blue macaw or Spix's macaw, Cyanopsitta spixii (probably extinct in the wild)

From L to R: scarlet macaw, blue-and-yellow macaw, and military macaw

Blue-and-yellow macaw (left) and blue-throated macaw (right)
Ara
Blue-and-yellow macaw or blue-and-gold macaw, Ara ararauna
Blue-throated macaw, Ara glaucogularis
Military macaw, Ara militaris
Great green macaw or Buffon's macaw, Ara ambiguus
Scarlet macaw or Aracanga, Ara macao
Red-and-green macaw or green-winged macaw, Ara chloropterus
Red-fronted macaw, Ara rubrogenys
Chestnut-fronted macaw or severe macaw, Ara severa
†Cuban red macaw, Ara tricolor (extinct)
†Saint Croix macaw, Ara autochthones[7] (extinct)
Orthopsittaca
Red-bellied macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata
Primolius
Blue-headed macaw, Primolius couloni
Blue-winged macaw or Illiger's macaw, Primolius maracana
Golden-collared macaw, Primolius auricollis
Diopsittaca
Red-shouldered macaw or Hahn's macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis