Caloshua Macaw

                                 Top 3 Most Beautiful Pet Birds

The Colorful Macaws

Macaws are not only one of the most popular pet birds, but they were voted as one of the most beautiful parrots by Bird Talk

readers. Macaws’ large, expressive eyes and radiant colors that vary by macaw species, from deep blue to crimson red,

combine to give them this honor. Their bare face patches are uniquely accented with delicate feather tracts, such as the

blue-and-gold macaw’s traces of black, or the red feather pattern found on the greenwinged macaw. Even the scarlet

macaw, with a facial patch devoid of feathers, strikes a regal pose. It is clear why readers overwhelmingly nominated the

macaw as one of the most beautiful pet birds.

Pet bird owner Linda Costello of Ohio shares her home with five macaws. She has taken her macaws to schools, nursing

homes, parades and other local events to the delight of onlookers. These beautiful pet birds clearly hold a special place in

her heart. “Years ago,” said Costello, “there was a pet department in the G.C. Murphy store at the mall. We'd go there to

admire the beautiful macaw that belonged to the manager. It was a blue & gold.” 

Costello began researching and learning about different species of macaws. The green wing became her dream bird. She

found a 2½-month-old female green wing and named her Murphy after the store where she met and fell in love with

macaws. A year later, Costello bought Morgan, a blue & gold. Murphy and Morgan are now 12 and 11 years old. Costello

now has a male blue & gold, named J.J., and two scarlet macaws, Mitzi and Renee.

Josue Santiago, a veterinary nurse in California, has four macaws. 

 blue & gold. She was featherless, had gauged her eyelids out and had a 3-inch wide hole in her breastplate

from self-mutilation. I didn’t think I could rehabilitate her. Almost 10 years later, she has opened up to me a world beyond

the boundaries of apprehension and intelligence; and has introduced me to a life of patience and unconditional love. “Aside

from being one of the most exquisite creatures to paint our blue skies, macaws have a genuine magic that attracts even the

shrewdest person,” Santiago added. “Their charm and innocence, child-like antics color our hearts. That is why I choose to

share my life with four of these resplendent animals.” 

The Beautiful Hawk-headed Parrots

Hawk-headed parrots are unlike any other parrot. The round crest of white-specked, deep tawny feathers on the back of

their heads sets them apart, and their crest rises to full display when hawk heads are alarmed or excited. Hawk-headed

parrots also possess a remarkable color scheme of pale blue, maroon and green. These beautiful birds are somewhat rare

as pets parrots.  

Dr. Greg Rich of the West Esplanade Vet Clinic and Bird Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana, has owned both a breeding pair of

hawk-headed parrots as well as hand-fed  pet hawk heads for 10 years. “These are one of the most strikingly visual beauties

of the psittacine family. Over the hundreds of species I have had the pleasure of having close contact with, hawk-headed

parrots will turn more heads when they raise their crest than any other psittacine in the general pet trade,” said Rich, adding

that hawk heads are very inquisitive and need a varied assortment of toys and foraging products to keep them busy.

“The hawk-headed parrot is definitely among the most beautiful pet birds,” proclaimed Susan Mendez of California. “When

Sassy, my hawk-headed parrot, gets excited, his ruff rises and he is transformed into a magnificent creature! A brilliant

crimson-red feathered headdress surrounds his dark brown and oatmeal colored head, with each feather tipped in deep sky

blue. The same red and blue covers Sassy’s belly. His back and tail feathers are a darker shade of green. It’s incredible to

see a headdress on a parrot.”

Cheryl Title of Ontario, Canada, manages a pet store and has a hawk-headed parrot named Jackie. “I think what makes the

hawk-headed parrot so special is its coloring and ability to raise its feathers. The best part of that is the interest it raises in

non-parrot people. Jackie always gets curious looks and, when I scratch her and she raises her feathers, the reaction is

always of awe. I can see the looks on the faces around me, and I think maybe I've just opened the door for someone to the

world of parrots. I had never intended to get a hawk-headed parrot, but Jackie’s beauty and personality won me over.”

Pretty Psittacula Parrots
Of the 15 species of Psittacula parrots, the most common are the ring-necked, Alexandrine, plum-headed parakeets and the
moustached parakeets. The other 11 Psittacula are not commonly found in either the pet market or aviculture circles. The
refined signature rings and black markings that adorn the male Psittacula parrots exemplify their classical beauty. Their
sublime grace has been documented since ancient Greece in the work of mathematician Archimedes. They make engaging
pets and are truly beautiful birds.
Linda Rubin, a panel judge for the Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors (SPBE), explained that the genus Psittacula
comprises more than a dozen Afro-Asian parakeets, with numerous subspecies and a plethora of color mutations among the
more popular species. “The common denominator among these exquisite beauties” said Linda Rubin, “is their stately
elegance and near-perfect feathering when kept under optimum conditions. As a panel judge for the Society of Parrot
Breeders and Exhibitors, I often see species such as Indian ringneck, plum-headed, moustached, slaty-headed, Alexandrine
and Derbyan parakeets, exhibited on the show bench with impressive results. Because these species have a natural
propensity toward perfect feather conditions, we expect them to have immaculate plumage. When a Psittacula species is
properly show trained, it stands alert and exudes an air of regal confidence. In near defiance, it challenges the judge with
attitude, as if to say, ‘pick me, I’m the best!’ We have many champion and grand champion Psittacula in SPBE.”
Rubin added that when Psittacula are hand-fed or domestically raised, they can make fantastic companions. “These species
entertain their owners through their natural charm and antics; and the color mutations in some species, such as the Indian
ringneck, is a virtual kaleidoscope of harmonious hues, muted pastels and bright, vivid splashes of color that just keep
aviculturists hooked. We never know what new color mutation is next on the horizon.”
Tria Connell of California said that her 5-year-old Indian ringneck, Bubu’s, beauty comes from her coloring and personality.
“She is powder blue with a light baby-blue ring around her neck, and she “wears” bright orange eyeliner everyday, which is a
nice complement to her red/orange beak. Her feathers are a beautiful iridescent blue/gray that shines in the sun. “She is
super smart and has me well trained,” Connell said. “She stands on my foot when she wants to get picked up off the ground
and lets me know when it’s time for her to have her chin scratched.” Connell added that her Indian ringneck is also well
behaved, but lets everyone know when she doesn’t want attention or admiration for her beauty. “She has a cute little growl,
and will take your finger and gently push you away from her.” 
Kenda VonNieda of Pennsylvania declared her 9 year-old plum-headed parakeet, Mo, as “one of the most beautiful birds.
For such a small parrot you are immediately drawn to its vibrant color and personality. The colors on these birds are like a
rainbow; they have a little touch of every color. They are the type of bird that you just stop and admire.