“God created ... every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying ... let fowl multiply in the earth.” Genesis 1:21-2221And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (Genesis 1:21‑22)
In the rain forests of South and Central America and Mexico, there are many brightly colored macaws, sharing the forests with closely related parrots. One macaw is named the red and blue. Its upper and lower plumage is a bright red with patches of yellow, and its red tail is tipped with blue.
A somewhat similar one is the blue and yellow. A flock of these in flight is a beautiful sight. Among the larger ones is the Hyacinthine, which is a solid deep blue. Its unusually strong beak that has a sharp point on the upper half and extends beyond the lower half can identify it.
There are many more interesting macaws as well. But the one considered most outstanding has the name of scarlet. It is one of the largest, measuring up to three feet from its beak to the tip of its tail. This one is a brilliant ruby red with blue trimming on its wings and tail feathers. On some the trimming includes green and yellow. Looking down on several scarlets in flight, with wings outstretched and tails straight out, they almost look like pieces from a rainbow in their bright contrasting colors—a beautiful sight!
Macaws resemble parrots in appearance and habits and, also like parrots, are inclined to be noisy. They all have big appetites and have been provided by the Creator with powerful beaks that can easily crack open the hardest seeds and nuts. Most of them hold their food with their feet while breaking it into pieces with these strong beaks. Like chickens and most other birds, they have no teeth but from time to time swallow grit or tiny pebbles into their gizzards, which break down the solid food into needed nourishment.
All macaws and parrots have strong, short, flat tongues which, along with their strong beaks, are used to grasp branches to pull themselves up or sideways to move around. However, when one is tamed, it will never bite its owner, but may just give a playful nip to his ear or cheek.
Macaws do make nice pets and can be taught to say a few words, but we do not expect them to know about their Creator who is always watching over them. Thanks to God’s Word, the Bible, we know His many kindnesses, and we should always be grateful for His care over us. It is important that we be especially thankful for the Saviour’s love in giving His life on the cross so that we may have our sins forgiven. He loves you and will forgive your sins and be your Saviour. You only need to come to Him in simple faith.
Is He your Saviour?
ML-11/20/2011