© Takashi Hososhima from Tokyo, Japan / CC BY-SA 2.0Yellow-collared Macaw
The Yellow-collared Macaw is a small macaw reaching about 38 cm in length. Its most distinctive feature is the vivid yellow collar across the back of the neck, set against green plumage — a marking that deepens in color as the bird matures. The face is bare white skin, giving it an expressive look, while the beak is black and the tail shades from a red base to a blue tip. Despite its small size, it shares the intelligence and curiosity typical of larger macaws, often bonding closely with its owner, though it can also be quite vocal. Highly trainable and engaging, this species is best suited to experienced keepers who understand its needs.
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Yellow-collared Macaw key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Size
- About 38cm
- Diet
- Medium parrot pellets, nuts, fruit and vegetables
- Cage
- Small for a macaw, but still a macaw: the long tail calls for a tall cage. The bite is strong, so keep chewable wood available at all times.
- Temperament
- Active and curious, it tames well. It lives in flocks in the wild, so neglect readily leads to behavioural problems.
- Vocalization
- Even at this size the call is piercingly macaw-like, and prolonged bouts of calling need consideration for neighbours.
- Notes
- The yellow collar deepens with age, so young birds show it faintly and are hard to tell from related species; check the scientific name when buying.
About Yellow-collared Macaw
A small macaw about 38 cm long, known for its yellow collar and red-and-blue tail. Intelligent and affectionate but vocal, suited to experienced keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Yellow-collared Macaw
1Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
The Yellow-collared Macaw is considered a species for experienced keepers. Despite its compact size, it has intelligence and assertiveness comparable to larger macaws, making it better suited to owners already familiar with parrot care than to first-time bird keepers. Researching its care needs thoroughly beforehand is important.
2Expect a Loud Voice
True to its macaw heritage, this bird has a loud, far-carrying voice. If you live in an apartment or shared building, it's wise to consider soundproofing and cage placement in advance, and to check how noise travels to neighbors.
3The Collar Deepens with Age
The yellow neck collar that gives this species its name is paler in young birds and becomes deeper and more vivid as they mature. Rather than judging color solely at the time of adoption, it helps to see this gradual change as part of the enjoyment of raising the bird.
4Engaging Its Intelligence
This species is highly intelligent and enjoys interacting with its owner. Setting aside regular time for talking to and training the bird helps build trust and can also help prevent behavioral problems.
5A Spacious Cage and Play Area
A cage should be roomy enough to suit its 38 cm body length and active nature. Providing perches and toys is also important to prevent stress-related issues, such as feather-plucking, caused by insufficient exercise or stimulation.
6Watch the Bare Facial Skin
The face is covered in bare white skin rather than feathers. Paying attention to the color and condition of this area during daily observation can offer useful clues about the bird's overall health.
7Plan for Long-Term Care
Macaws, including this species, become long-term companions. Before bringing one home, it's advisable to discuss daily care, noise considerations, and how future lifestyle changes might affect the bird as a family.
Frequently asked questions about Yellow-collared Macaw
- Q.Can beginners keep a Yellow-collared Macaw?
- A.This species is generally considered suited to experienced keepers rather than beginners. Its high intelligence and assertive nature call for someone already comfortable handling parrots.
- Q.How large does this species grow?
- A.Adults reach about 38 cm in total length, with a body weight of roughly 250 g, making it one of the smaller members of the macaw family.
- Q.Is this bird's voice loud?
- A.Like other macaws, it has a fairly loud voice. If you're considering keeping one in an apartment, it's worth planning for soundproofing and being mindful of neighbors in advance.
- Q.When does the yellow collar that gives it its name appear?
- A.The yellow neck collar is paler in young birds and gradually becomes deeper and more vivid with age, becoming more distinct as the bird reaches adulthood.
- Q.Is this species subject to any international regulation?
- A.Yellow-collared Macaw is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.
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