The Wonders of God’s Creation
In the rain forests of South and Central America and Mexico, there are many brightly colored macaws (which some people consider the most beautiful of all birds), sharing the forests with closely related parrots. One macaw is named the red and blue, its upper and lower plumage a bright red complemented with patches of yellow, and a red tail tipped with blue.
A somewhat similar one is the blue and yellow. A flock of these in flight is a sight to be long remembered. Among the large ones is the Hyacinthine which is a solid deep blue. It can be identified by its unusually strong beak with a sharp point on the upper part extending beyond the lower one.
There are many more interesting ones 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 outspread and tails straight behind them, they almost look like pieces from a rainbow in their bright contrasting colors — a beautiful spectacle!
Macaws resemble parrots in appearance and habits and also, like them, are inclined to be noisy. They all have big appetites and have been provided by the Creator with powerful beaks that can crack open the hardest seeds and nuts easily. 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, together with their strong beaks, are used to grasp branches and pull themselves up or sidewise when searching for food. However, when one of them is tamed it will never bite its owner (some pay extremely high prices for these birds), 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, His many kindnesses are known to us, and we should always be grateful for His care over us. We should 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 if you will only come to Him. Have you come to Him?
ML-11/13/1988