The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), and the Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus), are found in the swampy forests of tropical South America.

Parrots have more movement in their beaks than do other birds, which allows for a more powerful bill. They have developed a nut-cracking device of incredible power. Macaws are able to break open the toughest of nuts. This ability creates an important food resource for the parrots because not a lot of other animals are able to access such a large variety of nuts.

While these birds walk in a waddling fashion, they fly superbly over long distances. Their long tail aids in forest navigation by providing balance, as well as acting as a prop when macaws venture onto the outer canopy to forage for food.