Editing Macaw (section)

== Biology ==
Of the many different [[Psittacidae]] (true parrots) [[genus|genera]], six are classified as macaws: ''[[Ara (bird)|Ara]]'', ''[[Anodorhynchus]]'', ''[[Cyanopsitta]]'', ''[[Primolius]]'', ''[[Red-bellied macaw|Orthopsittaca]]'', and ''[[Red-shouldered macaw|Diopsittaca]]''. Previously, the members of the genus ''Primolius'' were placed in ''Propyrrhura'', but the former is correct in accordance with [[International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature|ICZN]] rules.<ref>[http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop177.html South American Classification Committee] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224143750/http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~remsen/SACCprop177.html |date=2007-02-24 }} To reassign the genus of three macaws.</ref> In addition, the related macaw-like [[thick-billed parrot]] is sometimes referred to as a "macaw", although it is not phylogenetically considered to be a macaw species. Macaws are native to [[Central America]] and [[North America]] (only [[Mexico]]), [[South America]], and formerly the [[Caribbean]]. Most species are associated with forests, but others prefer woodland or savannah-like habitats.<ref name=Abramson>Abramson, J., Speer, B. L., & Thomsen, J.B. 1999, "The Large Macaws, Their Care and Breeding", Raintree Publications: CA</ref>

Proportionately larger beaks, long tails, and relatively bare, light-coloured medial (facial patch) areas distinguish macaws from other parrots. Sometimes the facial patch is smaller in some species and limited to a yellow patch around the eyes and a second patch near the base of the beak in the members of the genus ''[[Anodorhynchus]]''. A macaw's facial feather pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.<ref name="Macaw facial fingerprint">{{cite web | url =http://webparrots.com/blue_and_gold_macaw.html | title =Facial fingerprint | work =webparrots.com | access-date =2008-07-29 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123510/http://webparrots.com/blue_and_gold_macaw.html | archive-date =2017-12-10 | url-status =dead }}</ref>

The largest macaws are the [[Hyacinth macaw|hyacinth]], [[Great green macaw|Buffon's (great green)]] and [[Red-and-green macaw|green-winged]] macaws. While still relatively large parrots, [[mini-macaws]] of the genera ''Cyanopsitta'', ''Orthopsittaca'' and ''Primolius'' are significantly smaller than the members of ''Anodorhynchus'' and ''Ara''. The smallest macaw species, the red-shouldered macaw, is no larger than some parakeets of the genus ''[[Aratinga]]''.<ref name=Abramson />

Macaws, like other [[parrot]]s, [[toucan]]s and [[woodpecker]]s, are [[zygodactyl]], having their first and fourth toes pointing backward.<ref name=Abramson />