What Are the Differences Between Macaws and Conures?

By Viola R Daigle | Published 16 November 2025 | Updated 11 November 2026

The differences between macaws and conures are big: both are bright, lively parrots, but they differ a lot. Macaws are far bigger, louder, and need more space. Conures are smaller, calmer, and fit most homes better.

Macaws run 18 to 40 inches long, while conures run 8 to 20 inches. That size gap shapes cage size, food, noise, and cost. Pick the bird that fits your home, time, and budget.

Contents

• Differences Between Macaws and Conures: Quick Comparison
• Size and Colour
• Behaviour and Personality
• Natural Habitat
• Diet: What Each Bird Eats
• Care Needs and Cage Size
• Lifespan: A Long Commitment
• Which Bird Fits Your Home?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Differences Between Macaws and Conures: Quick Comparison

Both birds are parrots with bright hues and bold moods. They love people, toys, and play time each day. But their size and needs set them far apart.

Point	Macaw	Conure
Size	18–40 inches	8–20 inches
Lifespan	30–50 years	20–30 years
Noise	Very loud	Loud, but less so
Cage	At least 3 ft wide, 5 ft tall	At least 2 ft wide, 2 ft tall
Best for	Skilled owners with space	Families and first owners

Size and Colour

Macaws are the big birds of the parrot world. The hyacinth macaw can reach 40 inches from beak to tail. Their beaks are huge and strong, made to crack hard nuts.

Conures are small by contrast, from 8 inches for green-cheeks to 20 for Patagonians. Their beaks are small and slim, with long, sharp tails. They move fast and climb with ease.

Macaws wear bold blue, gold, red, and green in clear blocks. Conures mix blue, red, green, orange, and yellow in patchy coats. Both look bright, but macaws look more uniform in hue.

Behaviour and Personality

Macaws love people and form deep bonds with owners. They are playful, bold, and keen to chew and explore. Their calls are very loud, so flats may not suit them well.

Conures are playful too, but they act more like party guests. They are keen, loving, and glad to be held by kids. Some kinds are quiet, while others chirp and whistle all day.

Both birds need play, toys, and time with people each day. Macaws may demand more care due to their size and voice. Conures can play alone more, yet they still need you near.

Natural Habitat

Macaws live in rainforests, grasslands, and woods in Central and South America. They love warm, wet lands with fruit, nuts, and seeds. They visit clay licks to eat clay, which aids digestion.

Conures live in more varied lands, from forests to dry scrub. They adapt well to new homes and varied weather each year. Sun conures fly in flocks and feed on the ground at times.

Diet: What Each Bird Eats

Macaws eat mostly fruit, seeds, nuts, and flowers each day. They need more fat than conures due to their size. Macadamia and walnuts give them the fuel they need.

Conures eat a mixed diet of seeds, fruit, and veg each day. They like pellets, berries, melons, and leafy greens too. They are less picky than macaws in most homes.

Both birds need fresh water and good pellets each day. Never feed chocolate, avocado, or other toxic foods to them. For safe foods, see our guide to what sun conures can eat.

Diet point	Macaw	Conure
Main foods	Fruit, seeds, nuts	Pellets, fruit, veg
Fat needs	High, for energy	Moderate
Treats	Nuts, in small amounts	Nuts, in small amounts

Care Needs and Cage Size

Macaws need a cage at least 3 feet wide and 5 feet tall. They need room to stretch, climb, and play each day. Give them strong toys, ladders, and foraging games to chew.

Conures need a cage of 2 feet wide by 2 feet tall at least. They still need space to climb, play, and rest in peace. Toys, perches, and daily play keep them bright and calm.

Both birds need daily time out of the cage with you. Talk, train, and play with them to build trust each day. Learn care basics in our guide to how to care for a sun conure.

Lifespan: A Long Commitment

Macaws live 30 to 50 years with good care at home. Some reach 50 years in the best homes with great food. That span makes them a life-long friend, not a short pet.

Conures live 20 to 30 years with good care at home. That is still a long time, so think hard before you buy. Both birds need a home that will last for decades.

Bird	Typical lifespan
Macaw	30–50 years
Conure	20–30 years

Which Bird Fits Your Home?

Pick a conure if you live in a flat or small home. They are small, less loud, and glad to play with kids. They fit busy lives that still give them time each day.

Pick a macaw if you have space, skill, and lots of time. They are bright, bold, and full of joy each day. But they need big cages, loud tolerance, and years of care.

Think of your time, space, and cash before you choose. A bird is a friend for decades, not just for a year. For more comparisons, see our cockatiel vs sun conure guide, our sun conure vs green-cheek guide, and our will macaws hurt a sun conure guide.

Conclusion

Macaws and conures differ in size, voice, diet, and lifespan, so a macaw vs conure size check is the first step in choosing. Macaws are big, loud, and need lots of space and care. Conures are small, calmer, and fit most homes with ease.

Both birds bring joy, colour, and love to a home. Pick the one that fits your life, not just your eye. With care, either bird can be a friend for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do macaws and conures look like?

Macaws are large birds with long tails and bold hues. Conures are small birds with short tails and mixed hues. Both come in bright colours that catch the eye.

How do macaw and conure personalities compare?

Macaws are playful, bold, and keen to talk with people. Conures are warm, social, and a bit quirky in play. Both love time with their owners each day.

What sounds do macaws and conures make?

Macaws make loud, harsh squawks that carry far and wide. Conures whistle, chirp, and chatter at a lower pitch. Both can be loud, but macaws are louder still.

Are macaws or conures easier to care for?

Conures are easier, since they need less space and care. Macaws need big cages, more food, and more time. Both need love, play, and vet care each year.

How long do macaws and conures live?

Macaws live 30 to 50 years with good care at home. Conures live 20 to 30 years with good care at home. Both need a home that lasts for decades.