From Northern South America and eastern Panama: from Panama through western Colombia and Ecuador, and east of the Andes across the Amazon basin to Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil and Bolivia. It lives in lowland forest, wooded savanna and forest edges. A small introduced population also lives in southern Florida.123
Feathered; slim macaw with a long tail making up about half its length
A mostly green macaw with a chestnut-brown band just above the black beak and flashes of red and blue in the wings. The bare white facial patch is crossed by fine lines of tiny dark feathers, a detail that sets it apart from the other mini macaws. The long tail accounts for roughly half of the bird's total length.13
Severe macaws are bright, inquisitive and sociable, and a well-socialised bird can be very affectionate with its chosen people, often asking for head scratches. They tend to have a mind of their own, so steady, patient handling from an early age pays off. They can learn some words, but they are better known for their loud, raspy calls, which are quieter than those of the big macaws yet still carry well.31
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs plenty of daily time out of the cage for exercise and exploring, along with climbing ropes, swings and puzzle toys to keep it busy.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide lots of bird-safe items to chew, ropes to climb and regular chances to bathe. Rotate toys to keep interest high.23
Home where they are happiest
A large cage tall enough for the long tail, with several perches and toys. The World Parrot Trust suggests an aviary at least 4 m long, or a 3 m aviary with seasonal access to a bigger flight.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Wild birds eat seeds, fruit pulp, flowers and even bark. In the home a good-quality pellet diet should be the base, with fresh fruit and vegetables every day and some seeds, cooked beans and corn.23
Company who they like around
Very social and needs consistent daily interaction and training. In the wild it roosts communally and usually moves around in pairs or small flocks.32
The story where it all began
Linnaeus gave the species its first scientific name in 1758, and Lacepede placed it among the true macaws in 1799. The name severus is Latin for stern, and Lafeber links it to the bird's harsh calls. It has long been kept as a companion bird and is one of the best-known mini macaws.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its wingspan can reach around 76 cm (30 inches), wide for a bird of its body size.3
2
Despite its loud voice, it is quiet and hard to spot while feeding in the forest canopy.2
3
It is the only mini macaw with thin lines of small feathers on its bare white face patch.1
4
A free-living population has become established in southern Florida.1
Recognised by the official bits
IUCN Red List
Least Concern; described as fairly common, though numbers are decreasing.2
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Severe Macaw?
Feed your Severe Macaw daily. Furry Diary's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water every day. A good-quality pellet diet should be the base, with fresh fruit and vegetables offered daily.32Pet Wiki plan
What does a Severe Macaw eat, and what should it never eat?
A Severe Macaw eats a pellet diet as a base, plus fresh fruit and vegetables every day, along with some seeds, cooked beans and corn. What it should never eat varies by individual; ask your avian vet for a list of toxic foods.32
How much space does a Severe Macaw need?
Your Severe Macaw needs a large cage tall enough for its long tail, with several perches and toys. The World Parrot Trust suggests an aviary at least 4 metres long, or a 3-metre aviary with seasonal access to a bigger flight. Furry Diary's plan also includes about 3 hours of out-of-cage time daily.32Pet Wiki plan
What temperature, light or water does a Severe Macaw need?
Provide regular chances to bathe; Furry Diary suggests offering a bath every 3 days. Temperature and light needs vary by your home and climate; consult an avian vet for specific guidance.23
How often should I clean a Severe Macaw's home?
Clean your Severe Macaw's home daily by changing the cage liner, and do a full cage clean once a week, as per Furry Diary's plan. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Severe Macaw live with others?
Yes, Severe Macaws are very social and in the wild they roost communally and move in pairs or small flocks. They need consistent daily interaction and can live with others if properly introduced.32
How long does a Severe Macaw live?
A Severe Macaw can live for 30 years or more with good care.23
Can I handle a Severe Macaw?
Yes, with steady, patient handling from an early age, a well-socialised Severe Macaw can be very affectionate and enjoy head scratches. They have a mind of their own, so gentle training pays off.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Hahn's Macaw
Blue-and-gold Macaw
Blue-crowned Conure