AYES! There is a lot you need to know. Macaws are highly intelligent individuals that have the intelligence of a 3 year old human child. It is a lifetime commitment, the bird will outlive you.You should read as many books as you can on the subject (search amazon.com) and talk to others who live with Macaws. This decision is every bit as important as deciding to have a child (except the child leaves in 18 years, the Macaw will be with you for over 80 years).Macaws are NOT starter birds. Start with a cockatiel for a few years to see how it fits your lifestyle. Macaws will need constant attention and a HUGE cage. They are not for everyone, I volunteer at a shelter that cares for over a hundred parrots that have been abandoned because their human care-taker did not properly care for them.Also keep in mind the expense. Quality food is expensive, toys are expensive, and veterinary bills are VERY expensive (your bird will get sick many times in its life, just like humans).This is not the forum for "what do I need to know about caring for a macaw," there are entire books written on the subject. I can't stress this enough: you need to read as many books as possible and talk to others who live with macaws. It is a huge life-long commitment that very few people are able to make.

AI have a Yellow Collared Macaw, which is a little smaller than the severe. She was my first parrot. Very affectionate, very playful, full of personality. Very nice bird, but kind of loud. My favorite mini is the Hahn's Macaw. They are the smallest of the minis. Never met one I didn't like-very sweet birds. If I didn't already have my Yellow Collared, I'd get a Hahn's.HTH

AThere is no such thing except some stores call their birds by these names to inflate the prices.I own a pet store and breed allsorts of birds and hand rear them for my store.http://www.artsaquaticsandanimals.com

AIf shes alone and doesnt have a mate, it could be that she is letting off this scent to attract a mate to breed with.It could also be something that she is eating like fruit. Sometimes the fruits can ingest into the blood stream and let off the smell, or it could be that her bowel smells like that from what she eats.Theres also another possibility that these smells are coming from the oil on her skin. Birds need a certain oil on their skin that regenerates every day to keep her natural moisture levels on her skin good, and to help develope feathers.And yes.. only macaws do it!If she doesnt look unhealthy and has a good appetite then there should be nothing to worry about!=]Hope this helps you

AI wouldn't suggest buying offline, maybe try and visit a local bird fair and speak with different breedershere is a list to some breedershttp://www.birdbreeders.com/Species108.aspx

AConsider it a lifelong commitment. Please don't get a macaw if you live in an apartment - the results wouldn't be good for you or the bird.

AThe Macaw is studying you, sounds like you gained a positive reply. You are likely to be it's friend if you saw no aggresion. Of course they also bob their head when they eat the food that is stored in the crop. I would guess you are getting a positive motion of acceptance.

Ano these are tropical birds please take him inside .

Atry a cuddle bone

AHe probably trusts you but is just playing, my bird does that all the time so i just put my hand on his perch and wait for him to come over and step on my hand