Macaws are large Neotropical parrots spread across a half dozen different genera (Anodorhynchus, Ara, Cyanopsitta, Diopsittaca, Primolius, and Orthopsittaca). There are currently 17 living species, along with their many domesticated varieties. Sexual dimorphism is uncommon among parrots in general and is nearly nonexistent in macaws. However, there are still a few clues that can help tell male vs. female macaws apart, although some are much more reliable than others! Read on to find out what they are.
1. Internal and Genetic Differences
While it’s usually easy to tell different species of macaw apart, telling males and females of the same species apart is more difficult.
©xtrekx/iStock via Getty Images
One reliable way to tell male and female macaws apart is to confirm their sex via their respective internal reproductive organs or via DNA testing. The first method is far more invasive as it usually requires a surgical procedure. In contrast, a DNA test can be performed with either a feather or blood sample.
2. Mating and Eggs
While both the male and female work on preparing the nest together, only the female lays the eggs and incubates them.
©Thorsten Spoerlein/ via Getty Images
The other reliable way to tell male and female macaws apart is to witness the mating act and see who ends up with eggs! As with other birds, the male will mount the female during mating. Females then not only lay the eggs but are the sole incubators as well. Males will feed their mates while they are nesting.
3. Size Differences
The only readily noticeable size difference in any macaw species is between babies and adults!
©CHUCHAT TREEPRAPHAKORN/Shutterstock.com
While scientists haven’t confirmed dimorphism in macaws, aviculturalists claim there are subtle size differences between males and females. Such claims include that males may be overall slightly larger; have larger heads; have bigger beaks; and have longer tail feathers. However, all of this is just based on anecdotal evidence. Given the amount of individual variation between macaws of both sexes, such metrics are probably not reliable methods for sexing macaws.
4. Behavior
Since macaws generally mate for life, any sex-specific courtship behaviors may only be observed during a single breeding season.
©Charles Bergman/Shutterstock.com
Similarly, aviculturalists note differences in how male and female macaws tend to behave in captivity. For example, keepers commonly claim that females tend to be calmer birds and males tend to be more vocal and playful. However, much like people, every bird has its own unique personality, so this is also not a reliable method for sexing macaws.
On the other hand, watching how wild macaws behave during breeding season may offer some more reliable clues. Single males often perform feather and vocal displays to attract a mate and will become more territorial. Additionally, females will inspect and approve potential nesting sites during breeding season. Macaws may replicate some or all of these courtship and breeding behaviors in captivity, depending on the circumstances.
Summary of Male vs. Female Macaws: 4 Key Differences
| Trait | Differences |
|---|---|
| 1. internal and genetic differences | male/female internal reproductive organs; male/female DNA markers (all species) |
| 2. mating and eggs | male on top during mating; female lays eggs; female incubates, fed by male (all species) |
| 3. size differences | males may have subtle size differences, including overall larger size, larger head, and larger beak, and longer tail feathers (anecdotal) |
| 4. behavior | females may be more calm, males may be more vocal and playful (anecdotal, captive birds) courtship: single males will display and vocalize more and be more territorial (all species) breeding season: females will inspect and approve of potential nesting sites (all species) |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Danny Ye/Shutterstock.com
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