Is a Macaw Bigger Than a Parrot? (Avian Veterinarian Explanation)

When people compare macaws to “parrots,” they often wonder whether macaws are actually bigger than other parrots. As an avian veterinarian with clinical and field experience working with species ranging from small budgerigars to giant Hyacinth Macaws, I can clarify how macaws fit into the greater parrot family.

This article provides a scientifically accurate, structured, and trustworthy analysis.

1. Short Answer: Are Macaws Bigger Than Parrots?

Macaws are parrots.
They belong to the family Psittacidae, meaning every macaw is a type of parrot.

However:

Macaws are generally much larger than most parrot species,

but they are not the largest parrots in the world in every category.

So the correct way to compare them is:

✔ Macaws vs. other types of parrots

And in that comparison, macaws are usually among the biggest.

2. Understanding the Parrot Family: Where Macaws Fit

Parrots include over 400+ species, grouped into several types:

• Macaws
• Amazons
• Cockatoos
• African Greys
• Conures
• Parrotlets
• Budgerigars (Budgies)
• Lovebirds

Macaws are classified in the genera Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, and others.

What makes macaws unique?

• Extremely long tails
• Strong curved beaks
• Large wingspan
• Bright tropical plumage
• Highly social and intelligent

These features contribute to their large physical appearance.

3. Size Comparison: Macaws vs. Typical Parrots

Macaws vary by species. Some are enormous, while mini macaws are small and comparable to mid-sized parrots.

3.1 Large Macaws (Biggest Parrots)

Examples:

• Hyacinth Macaw
• Green-winged Macaw
• Blue-and-Gold Macaw

Typical size:

• Length: 30–40 in (75–100 cm)
• Weight: 900–1500 g
• Wingspan: 3–4 ft (90–120 cm)

These birds are much larger than most parrots.

3.2 Medium Parrots

Examples:

• African Grey
• Amazon Parrot

Typical size:

• Length: 12–15 in (30–38 cm)
• Weight: 400–600 g

Compared to these species, large macaws can be twice as long and twice as heavy.

3.3 Small Parrots

Examples:

• Budgies
• Lovebirds
• Parrotlets

Typical size:

• Length: 5–7 in (13–18 cm)
• Weight: 30–40 g

Compared with these birds, a macaw is 10–20 times larger.

4. Exceptions: Are Macaws Always Bigger?

Not always. Some macaws are small.

Mini Macaws

Examples:

• Hahn’s Macaw
• Noble Macaw
• Yellow-collared Macaw

Size:

• Length: 12–14 in (30–36 cm)
• Weight: 140–170 g

These can be similar in size to:

• Conures
• Smaller Amazons
• Pionus parrots

So while the average macaw is large, not all macaws are giants.

5. Is a Macaw the Largest Parrot in the World?

Yes—in wingspan and overall body size, the Hyacinth Macaw is the largest flying parrot on Earth.

However:

• The Kakapo (New Zealand) is heavier, but it is flightless.
• So “largest” depends on the category.

6. Why Are Macaws So Big? (Veterinary Biological Explanation)

Macaws evolved larger bodies due to:

6.1 Habitat

They inhabit:

• Amazon rainforests
• Open woodlands
• Savannas

Large wings and powerful muscles allow for long-distance flight.

6.2 Diet

Their strong beaks help them crack:

• Hard nuts (Brazil nuts)
• Seeds
• Tough fruits

6.3 Social Structure

Macaws travel long distances in flocks, requiring endurance and strength.

Their size is an evolutionary advantage.

7. Conclusion: Are Macaws Bigger Than Parrots?

✔ Macaws are parrots.

✔ Compared to most parrot species, macaws are significantly larger.

✔ Largest macaws (like Hyacinths) are the biggest flying parrots in the world.

✔ Mini macaws exist and are comparable in size to medium parrots.

Overall, macaws are among the largest and most physically impressive members of the parrot family, but size varies widely depending on the species.