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Two Macaws
Raymond Bell
Edition of 500
12" X 23 ˝"
$55.00
Macaws are members of the parrot family. Besides their vivid plumage, it is the feet and the beaks of these birds which show their most unique adaptations to forest life. Their feet are zygodactylous (zy-go-dak-ti-lus). This means that two toes point forward and two toes point to the rear, which gives the parrot a vice-like grip. Short legs give the bird more stability while perching.
Like other parrots, a macaw uses its beak while climbing. It will grab a higher branch with its beak while moving its feet forward. Its beak is specifically designed to assist with cracking nuts: the complex pivoting bones of the skull let the upper part move as well as the lower. Its scissor like cutting edges are immense.
The popularity of these birds as pets, in addition to the destruction of the rainforest, poses a serious threat to these beautiful birds, many species of which are unlikely to survive the decade.
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