Why Are Macaws Called Macaws?

Macaws are among the most iconic parrots in the world—famous for their vibrant feathers, powerful beaks, and big personalities. But have you ever wondered why they are called “macaws” in the first place?
As an avian specialist who studies parrot taxonomy, history, and behavior, I’ll break down the true origins of the name and the cultural and scientific background behind it.

1. What Does the Word “Macaw” Mean?

The name “macaw” comes from the older Portuguese word “macau” or “macavu,” which itself was derived from Tupi-Guarani, an Indigenous language spoken in Brazil and parts of the Amazon region.

The original Tupi word is believed to be “macauã”, describing a large, noisy parrot native to the tropical forests of South America.

✔ Key Meaning:

Macaw = large, loud, colorful parrot from the Amazon

The name reflects both the birds’ vocal nature and their impressive size.

2. Indigenous Roots: The First People to Name Macaws

Long before European explorers arrived, Indigenous peoples of South America:

• Recognized macaws for their bright plumage
• Used feathers in ceremonial clothing
• Kept them as domesticated companions
• Had specific names for different species

These names often imitated the bird’s natural calls, which explains why “macauã” resembles the sound of a macaw’s loud squawk.

This early naming tradition had a direct influence on the modern word “macaw.”

3. How the Name Evolved Over Time

3.1 16th–17th Century: European Exploration

When Portuguese explorers reached Brazil and the Amazon basin, they adopted Indigenous bird names.

Tupi “macauã” → Portuguese “macaw” → English “macaw”

By the 1600s, the word appeared in European natural history texts to describe the brilliantly colored parrots brought back to Europe.

3.2 Scientific Classification

In the 18th century, taxonomists like Carl Linnaeus formally described macaw species within the family Psittacidae (the true parrots).

Key genera include:

• Ara
• Anodorhynchus
• Cyanopsitta
• Orthopsittaca
• Primolius

Although the scientific names differ, “macaw” remains the widely used common name across languages.

4. Why the Name Fits Macaws Perfectly

✔ 4.1 Macaws Are Loud

Indigenous names mimicked their loud, echoing calls. Macaws can reach 100+ decibels, similar to a motorcycle.

✔ 4.2 Macaws Are Large

Most macaws are significantly bigger than other parrots:

• Many species exceed 30 inches (76 cm)
• The hyacinth macaw is the largest parrot in the world

✔ 4.3 Macaws Are Distinctly Colorful

Their feathers resemble the colors of:

• Tropical fruits
• Flowers
• Rainforest canopies

For Indigenous tribes, these colors represented:

• Nature
• Spiritual life
• Cultural identity

The word “macaw” became synonymous with these qualities.

5. Are All Large Parrots Macaws?

Not all large parrots are macaws.
A parrot is considered a macaw only if it has:

• Long, tapered tail feathers
• A bare or partially bare facial patch
• A strong, curved beak
• A slender, elongated body shape

This unique combination sets macaws apart from cockatoos, amazons, African greys, and cockatiels.

6. What Do Macaws Go by in Other Languages?

To understand how universal the name became, here are translations:

But in English, the word “macaw” remains dominant due to early colonial usage.

7. Final Answer: Why Are They Called Macaws?

Because the word originates from Indigenous Amazonian languages describing these birds’ loud calls, large size, and striking appearance. The name was adopted into Portuguese and later into English during the age of exploration.

The word “macaw” carries centuries of cultural, linguistic, and biological history—perfectly matching the bird’s dramatic presence in the natural world.