Mini-macaws are a loosely-defined group of small-to-medium-sized macaw

Macaw

Macaws are small to large, often colourful New World parrots. Of the many different Psittacidae genera, six are classified as macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca...

 species within the tribe

Tribe (biology)

In biology, a tribe is a taxonomic rank between family and genus. It is sometimes subdivided into subtribes.Some examples include the tribes: Canini, Acalypheae, Hominini, Bombini, and Antidesmeae.-See also:* Biological classification* Rank...

 Arini. The term has no fixed taxonomic meaning and is principally used in aviculture

Aviculture

Aviculture is the practice of keeping and breeding birds and the culture that forms around it. Aviculture is generally focused on not only the raising and breeding of birds, but also on preserving avian habitat, and public awareness campaigns....

 to describe a small macaw belonging to one of a number of different genera

Genus

In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...

, with overall length being the sole criterion for inclusion. Any macaw with an overall length (including the tail) of less than about 50 cm (20 inches) can be described as a 'mini-macaw'. Additionally, the 'Mini-' prefix may be added to the species name when describing the bird in question (e.g. "Red-shouldered Mini-macaw").

In the pet trade, the term can be used to suggest that the species in question is better suited as a companion parrot

Companion parrot

Companion parrot is a general term used for any parrot kept as a pet that interacts abundantly with its human counterpart. Generally, most species of parrot can make good companions....

 for owners with less space in their homes than would be required by one of the larger macaw species.

Species

In aviculture the following are sometimes called mini-macaws:

• Chestnut-fronted, or Severe Macaw
  Chestnut-fronted Macaw
  The Chestnut-fronted Macaw or Severe Macaw is one of the largest of the Mini-Macaws. It reaches a size of around of which around half is the length of the tail....
  
  , Ara severa
• Golden-collared Macaw
  Golden-collared Macaw
  The Golden-collared Macaw or Yellow-collared Macaw is a small species of macaw belonging to the parrot family Psittacidae. It is native to central South America. In recent years it has often been placed in the genus Propyrrhura, but this is incorrect as per ICZN rules...
  
  , Primolius auricollis
• Blue-winged, or Illiger's Macaw
  Blue-winged Macaw
  The Blue-winged Macaw , in aviculture more commonly known as Illiger's Macaw, is a species of macaw found in central and eastern South America. It was previously placed in the genus Ara or Propyrrhura. Blue-winged Macaws have been known to reach an age of 50–60 years.- Description:It has a total...
  
  , Primolius maracana
• Blue-headed Macaw
  Blue-headed Macaw
  The Blue-headed Macaw or Coulon's Macaw is native to eastern Peru , north-western Bolivia , and far western Brazil...
  
  , Primolius couloni
• Red-bellied Macaw
  Red-bellied Macaw
  The Red-bellied Macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata, is a medium-sized, mainly green parrot. It is the only species of the genus Orthopsittaca, and it does not have any subspecies....
  
  , Orthopsittaca manilata
• Red-shouldered, or Hahn's Macaw
  Red-shouldered Macaw
  The Red-shouldered Macaw is the smallest macaw being 30–35 centimetres in length. It is a parrot native to the tropical lowlands, savannah, and swamplands of Venezuela, the Guianas, Bolivia, Brazil, and far south-eastern Peru...
  
  , Diopsittaca nobilis

External links

• The Mini Macaw FAQ