Our Extra Large Birds

Our Extra Large birds, which range from 32 to 40 inches, include a Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlet Macaws, Green-winged Macaws, a Blue-throated Macaw, and Blue and Gold Macaws.

When people purchase Macaw parrots, few realize the extraordinary costs of providing for their care. Macaws require a varied diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds and nuts. Each of our extra-large birds eats several handfuls of expensive nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios, Brazil and macadamia nuts) each day to stay healthy. Macaws are also unbelievably destructive; their toys are costly and must be replaced regularly to provide necessary mental stimulation. And of course, an extra large bird equals an extra large mess! It takes a lot of natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies to keep the aviary in great condition. We hope you'll decide to sponsor one of our extra-large birds below and help save a life!

(Click on any of the thumbnails below to view a larger picture.) Click on the Sponsor button to sponsor that bird.

With a large bird comes large responsiblity, including financial

Coco, a Scarlet Macaw, came to us from Prescott Heritage Zoo, along with Jack. She was unhappy in the zoo setting and had become an incessant feather plucker. This neurotic habit has thankfully been resolved, and Coco is now gorgeous. Surprisingly, birds often have distinct preferences for men or women, and can be quite unwilling to change their minds. Coco can't stand women and will chase them around biting their feet! But she adores men, and she has our male volunteers wrapped around her claws.

Hyacinth Macaws are the largest parrots, and highly endangered in Brazil. They are frequent victims of illegal poaching, and (pound for pound) are worth more than cocaine. Damara, though, seems unaware of such things and is quite definitely a "people bird." She was a "pre-sanctuary" purchase, but remains in Garuda Aviary for the flock environment. Damara will lie on her back for a belly tickle. She also plays patty-cake and is the clown of the aviary. Once you see her break open a brazil nut, you really appreciate that she has such a sweet disposition!

Hakan is a Green-wing Macaw. He is generally sweet—he even loves to give kisses—but don’t come between him and his babe Howard (a female, despite the name she had been given). Hakan was bought as a pet bird before the aviary was a rescue sanctuary. Because we understand the importance of allowing these birds to live in a flock whenever possible, Hakan remains a Garuda Aviary resident. Besides, the other birds consider Hakan to be one of the bosses—a key position in a flock!

Red is one of our oldest birds in the aviary approximately 26 years old, a Green Winged Macaw. Before coming to the aviary, he was kept outdoors most of the time in the NE as part of a breeding flock. A kind woman purchased him and donated him to the sanctuary. Red is a very handsome bird and extremely intelligent. He doesn't particularly like men. He especially fell in love with one of our female volunteers, Claire.

Harry, a Blue & Gold Macaw, is the result of a traumatic past. He was "wild caught" (poachers killed his parents in his presence and pinioned his wings, rendering him permanently unable to fly). Harry went to live with another macaw. But their environment only created more stress-they had no toys and an improper diet. Plus, their deep bonding with each other made them impossible to handle. Harry arrived at Garuda Aviary displaying neurotic behaviors-flying into a panic when asked to "step up" onto a stick or an arm, and repeatedly bobbed his head saying, "Quack, quack." After four years of relentless love, Harry is still quite fearful, but allows us to handle him and take him outside to play.

Howard is a Blue and Gold Macaw (native to Panama), named before she was sexed. She was rescued from disgraceful conditions. Despite her difficult beginnings, Howard is now very well socialized. She likes people's attention and integrates well in the flock. But when she's together with Hakan (her partner in love and mischief), they can be downright bullies!

Jack came to us from Prescott Heritage Zoo along with Coco. Jack was also unhappy in the zoo setting, and became an incessant feather plucker. Unlike Coco, he persists in this neurotic behavior. Jack has a rather wild temperament and allows only certain volunteers to handle him. Though he and Coco arrived together and are even the same species, they merely tolerate each other and would certainly never consider sharing a cage, much less a grooming session!

Jade is a Blue-throated Macaw, a species nearly extinct in the wild (only 50 - 100 are left). Jade is a sweet girl with a quiet temperament. While she is generally affectionate with women, Jade (like most macaws) is a bit moody! Bird-wise, Jade is a respectful member of the flock who helps balance the power against the more aggressive birds. To our delight, Jade and Harry have a budding romance. Her nurturing presence seems to be helping Harry relax and interact more with the flock.

Before we were a sanctuary, we just had birds as pets. As we acquired those birds, we learned about the plight of abused, neglected and unwanted birds, and we formed Garuda Aviary as a response. Merlin was one of the "pre-sanctuary birds", purchased from a pet store by the founder. She clearly saw his magnificence! Merlin is so smart and gorgeous, he takes your breath away. All Blue & Golds have a faint perfume to their feathers, but Merlin always smells like orange blossoms after a rain. No wonder his mate Phoebe fell head over claws for him.

Phoebe belonged to a woman for 17 years, who then got a new boyfriend, long distance. New Love. New Life. Sadly, this is what happens to many parrots. Phoebe is a bit neurotic but has discovered love with Merlin, the world's most gorgeous Blue & Gold. Phoebe is determined to keep her man, and is very possessive of Merlin. Where Merlin goes, Phoebe follows! Seeing this magnificent pair groom each other high up in a tree in the sunny play yard, ahhhh, can it get any better?