Why are parrots or macaws so often seen sitting on the shoulders of pirates?
Parrots were such an integral part of pirate life and lore. Extraordinarily intelligent and social birds, they can be taught to speak and were considered great entertainment among crew members. In a pinch, ship captains even used them as gifts or bribes. The Aquarium features the largest bird in the parrot family, and exhibits two beautiful hyacinth macaws, located in the Tropical Cove of the Ocean Journey building. The macaw has the strongest beak of any bird in the world and has a sensitive tongue that it uses like a hand to grip and explore small objects. The macaw’s pointed beak is used to crush seeds and nuts that make up the majority of its diet. Reaching heights of more than 3 feet, and with a wingspan of more than 4 feet, the macaws are social birds and generally live in pairs or small groups. Pairs are extremely faithful and share the tasks of raising their young. The hyacinth macaw’s natural lifespan is estimated to be 30 to 50 years or more. (Hyacinth Macaws grace Level 4 in
