In the wild they are becoming less noticeable because of hunting, trapping and the destruction of rain forest habitat for cattle ranching and agriculture. Wild macaws are most often viewed in pairs, family groups, or in small flocks of up to thirty. As with the other species of macaws there is a strong pair bond evident in most flocks as they fly overhead. The paired birds may fly so close together that sometimes their wings touch. They take daily flights form their roosting sites to feeding grounds, returning in the evening.
Macaws are wary birds and feed on seeds, nuts, berries and leaves.
Many of the fruits they eat are raw and unripe and sometimes contain very high amounts of toxins which can be poisonous to other species. Macaws are unusual in that they can eat these highly toxic foods and survive. One theory is that they ingest large amounts of mineral-rich clays which aides their system in detoxifying or neutralizing the poisons. Nesting occurs in tree hollows and takes place from early January until April. Eggs are elliptical and only two are usually laid.