Hyacinth Macaw: World’s Largest Parrot Facts

Imagine a bird the color of the deepest sapphire, a living jewel whose immense size and striking beauty command immediate awe. This isn’t a creature from myth, but a magnificent reality: the Hyacinth Macaw. Revered as the world’s largest flying parrot, this gentle giant captivates hearts with its vibrant blue plumage, intelligent gaze, and surprisingly affectionate nature.

For centuries, the Hyacinth Macaw, scientifically known as Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, has symbolized exotic beauty and untamed wilderness. Native to the vast landscapes of South America, these incredible birds are more than just stunning to behold; they are complex, intelligent, and deeply social creatures. Their presence in the wild is a testament to nature’s artistry, and their increasing popularity as companion animals speaks volumes about their captivating personalities. However, owning a Hyacinth Macaw is an immense commitment, requiring a deep understanding of their unique needs and a dedication to their well-being.

This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about the Hyacinth Macaw, from its impressive physical characteristics and natural habitat to the intricate details of its care, training, and vital conservation status. Whether you’re a long-time bird enthusiast, considering bringing one of these magnificent creatures into your life, or simply fascinated by the wonders of the avian world, prepare to be enchanted by the unparalleled charm and majesty of the “Blue Baron” – the one and only Hyacinth Macaw.

The Majestic Hyacinth Macaw: Unveiling Its Splendor

The Hyacinth Macaw stands in a league of its own, not just among parrots but within the entire avian kingdom. Its sheer size is often the first thing that strikes observers, but it’s the combination of its impressive stature with its breathtaking coloration and expressive features that truly sets it apart.

Physical Characteristics: A Vision in Blue

• Unrivaled Size: The Hyacinth Macaw holds the undisputed title of the world’s largest parrot by length. Adults typically measure between 37 to 40 inches (95-100 cm) from the tip of their beak to the end of their long, tapering tail feathers. Their wingspan can be equally impressive, reaching up to 4 feet (120 cm).
• Vibrant Plumage: Their most distinguishing feature is their uniform, deep cobalt blue plumage. Unlike many other macaws that boast a kaleidoscope of colors, the Hyacinth Macaw‘s monochromatic elegance is truly striking, appearing almost iridescent under the right light.
• Distinctive Facial Markings: A patch of bright yellow, featherless skin surrounds their dark, intelligent eyes and another forms a crescent shape at the base of their lower mandible. These yellow accents provide a beautiful contrast to their blue feathers and are unique identifiers for the species.
• Powerful Beak: The Hyacinth Macaw possesses an exceptionally strong, curved black beak, perfectly adapted for cracking open the tough shells of palm nuts, which form a significant portion of their diet in the wild. This beak is incredibly powerful, capable of exerting immense pressure, and is considered one of the strongest among all birds.
• Weight: Despite their length, they are relatively slender, weighing between 2.6 to 3.7 pounds (1.2-1.7 kg).

Personality and Temperament: Gentle Giants

Despite their imposing size and formidable beak, Hyacinth Macaws are renowned for their gentle and affectionate nature, earning them the endearing nickname “gentle giants.” They are highly intelligent, curious, and enjoy interacting with their human companions, often displaying a playful and inquisitive demeanor.

• Affectionate: With proper socialization, Hyacinth Macaws can become incredibly bonded to their owners, seeking out attention, cuddles, and even mimicking sounds and words.
• Intelligent: Their intelligence is evident in their problem-solving abilities, capacity for learning complex commands, and ability to use tools (like twigs) in the wild.
• Vocalizations: While they can be loud, like most macaws, their vocalizations are often described as deep, guttural squawks, croaks, and rumbles, rather than the piercing screams of some smaller parrot species.
• Playful: They love to play, chew, and explore, requiring a constant supply of appropriate toys and enrichment to keep their active minds stimulated.

Hyacinth Macaw Quick Facts

Here’s a snapshot of essential information about the magnificent Hyacinth Macaw:

Characteristic	Detail
Scientific Name	Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
Common Names	Hyacinth Macaw, Blue Macaw, Hyacinthine Macaw
Native Region	Central and Eastern South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay)
Size (Length)	37-40 inches (95-100 cm)
Wingspan	Up to 4 feet (120 cm)
Weight	2.6-3.7 pounds (1.2-1.7 kg)
Lifespan (Wild)	50-60+ years
Lifespan (Captivity)	50-60+ years, potentially longer with excellent care
Conservation Status (IUCN)	Vulnerable
Diet (Wild)	Primarily palm nuts, fruits, seeds, berries
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, intelligent, playful

Habitat, Diet, and Behavior in the Wild

To truly understand the Hyacinth Macaw, one must appreciate its origins and the natural environment that shaped its unique characteristics. These magnificent birds are perfectly adapted to their South American ecosystems, where their diet, social structures, and breeding habits are intricately linked to their survival.

Natural Habitat: A South American Gem

The native range of the Hyacinth Macaw encompasses three main disjunct populations across central and eastern South America:

• Pantanal: The largest population is found in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil (Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul), extending into eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay. This region is characterized by seasonal flooding, vast palm savannas, and gallery forests.
• Brazilian Amazon: A smaller population resides in the palm savannas and semi-open areas of the Brazilian Amazon basin, particularly in the state of Pará.
• Gerais: Another small, isolated population is found in the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an area of dry, semi-open woodland.

Within these regions, Hyacinth Macaws prefer specific habitats: palm savannas, grasslands with scattered trees, and edges of rainforests, always close to water sources. They rely heavily on the presence of large, mature trees for nesting cavities and their primary food source – palm nuts.

Dietary Habits: The Palm Nut Specialists

The diet of the Hyacinth Macaw in the wild is remarkably specialized, revolving predominantly around the hard-shelled nuts of various palm species. Their powerful beaks are perfectly evolved for this task.

• Palm Nuts: Their staple food includes the nuts of the acuri palm (Attalea phalerata), bocayuva palm (Acrocomia aculeata), and the licuri palm (Syagrus coronata). They often collect fallen nuts and use their powerful beaks to crack them open with ease, accessing the nutritious kernels inside.
• Fruits and Seeds: While palm nuts are primary, they also supplement their diet with other fruits, seeds, berries, and occasionally plant shoots found in their environment.
• Clay Licks: Like many macaws, Hyacinth Macaws may occasionally visit clay licks, which are believed to provide essential minerals and neutralize toxins present in some of their food sources.

Social Structure and Reproduction

Hyacinth Macaws are highly social birds, typically found in pairs or small family groups, though larger flocks can congregate at favored feeding sites or roosting areas. They exhibit strong pair bonds that are believed to last for life.

• Pair Bonding: Mated pairs are often seen flying together, foraging, and preening one another, demonstrating their deep connection.
• Nesting: They are cavity nesters, relying on large hollows in mature trees, particularly the manduvi tree (Sterculia apetala) due to its soft wood which they can excavate. They often use the same nesting sites year after year.
• Breeding Season: Breeding typically occurs from July to December. Females lay 1-3 eggs, though usually only one chick survives due to asynchronous hatching and sibling competition.
• Parental Care: Both parents are involved in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. The young fledge after about 100-110 days but remain dependent on their parents for several months, learning vital survival skills. They reach sexual maturity around 7-9 years of age.

Bringing a Hyacinth Macaw Home: Care and Commitment

Owning a Hyacinth Macaw is not a decision to be taken lightly. These aren’t just pets; they are lifelong companions that require immense dedication, financial investment, and specialized care. Their intelligence, size, and longevity mean they will become a significant part of your family for decades.

Housing: Space is Paramount

Due to their impressive size, Hyacinth Macaws require an exceptionally large living space. A standard parrot cage will simply not suffice for a bird of this magnitude. Think in terms of an aviary, not a cage.

• Minimum Cage Size: For a single Hyacinth Macaw, the absolute minimum cage size should be around 5 feet wide x 5 feet deep x 6 feet high (1.5m x 1.5m x 1.8m). Larger is always better.
• Bar Spacing: Ensure the bar spacing is appropriate for large macaws, typically 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) to prevent escapes and injuries.
• Construction: The cage must be constructed from heavy-gauge, non-toxic metal to withstand their powerful beaks. Stainless steel is ideal but can be costly. Powder-coated wrought iron is a good alternative.
• Aviary Considerations: If space allows, an outdoor aviary provides the best quality of life, offering natural light, fresh air, and more room for flight and exercise. Ensure it’s predator-proof, secure, and provides shelter from extreme weather.
• Perches: Provide a variety of natural branches of different diameters (2-4 inches) from bird-safe trees (e.g., apple, oak, willow) to promote foot health and provide chewing opportunities. Avoid dowel perches as the sole option.

Diet in Captivity: Nutrition for Longevity

A balanced and appropriate diet is crucial for the health and longevity of your Hyacinth Macaw. Their specialized wild diet needs to be carefully mimicked and supplemented in captivity.

• High-Quality Pellets: A large, high-quality formulated pellet diet should make up approximately 60-70% of their daily intake. These provide a balanced foundation of essential nutrients.
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Offer a wide variety of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Vegetables: Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, romaine), broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes.
  • Fruits: Apples (remove seeds), berries, bananas, melons, papaya, mango.

  Avoid avocado, chocolate, and caffeine, which are toxic.

• Nuts: Given their natural diet, nuts are vital. Offer a variety of unsalted, in-shell nuts as a treat and enrichment.
  • Preferred: Macadamia nuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts.
  • Specialty: If you can source them, organic, human-grade palm nuts (such as those from the acuri or bocayuva palm) are excellent, though often difficult to find.

  Nuts are high in fat, so offer them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• Clean Water: Always provide fresh, clean water in a heavy, tip-proof bowl. Change it multiple times a day.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Intelligent birds like the Hyacinth Macaw quickly become bored and can develop behavioral issues if not adequately stimulated. Enrichment is not optional; it’s a necessity.

• Chew Toys: Their powerful beaks necessitate a constant supply of destructible toys made from bird-safe wood, natural fibers, and thick rope. Provide large, robust toys they can tear apart.
• Foraging Toys: Implement foraging opportunities to engage their natural instincts. Hide food in puzzle toys, paper, or secure boxes, making them work for their treats.
• Physical Activity: Provide opportunities for climbing, wing flapping, and supervised out-of-cage time in a bird-proofed environment.
• Social Interaction: Regular interaction with their human flock is paramount. Spend quality time talking, playing, and training your Hyacinth Macaw every day.

Health and Veterinary Care

Hyacinth Macaws are generally robust birds, but like all pets, they are susceptible to certain health issues. Regular veterinary care is essential.

• Annual Check-ups: Schedule annual visits with an avian veterinarian for preventative care, weight checks, and general health assessments.
• Common Health Issues: Be aware of signs of illness such as changes in appetite, lethargy, fluffed feathers, discharge, or changes in droppings. They can be prone to certain viral diseases (e.g., Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease – PBFD, Polyomavirus), bacterial infections, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Wing Clipping (Optional): Discuss wing clipping with your vet or experienced avian professional. It can prevent escapes and facilitate training but should be done judiciously and humanely, if at all. Many owners prefer flighted birds within a secure environment.
• Grooming: Regular nail trims may be necessary to prevent overgrowth. Beak trimming is generally not needed if the bird has access to appropriate chewing materials, but an avian vet can address any abnormalities.

Training and Socialization: Building a Bond

The intelligence of the Hyacinth Macaw makes them highly trainable, and positive reinforcement-based training is a rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between bird and owner. Early and consistent socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted companion.

Unlocking Their Intelligence: Training Your Hyacinth

Hyacinth Macaws are incredibly smart, capable of learning a wide array of behaviors and vocalizations. Training should always be positive, patient, and consistent.

• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats (like small pieces of nuts or favorite fruits), praise, and head scratches to reward desired behaviors. Avoid punishment, which can lead to fear and mistrust.
• Step-Up Training: This is a fundamental skill, teaching your bird to step onto your hand or arm on command. Start early and practice regularly.
• Target Training: Teach your bird to touch its beak to a target stick. This is a versatile skill that can be used to direct your bird around a room or onto perches.
• Teaching Commands: Beyond basic commands, Hyacinth Macaws can learn to retrieve items, wave, or even put objects into a container. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging.
• Speech and Mimicry: While not as renowned for speech as some Amazon parrots, Hyacinth Macaws can learn to mimic words and phrases. Their vocalizations are often deep and clear. Consistency in verbal interaction will encourage them to speak.

Socialization: Creating a Well-Adjusted Companion

A well-socialized Hyacinth Macaw is a joy to live with. Without proper socialization, they can become fearful, aggressive, or develop behavioral problems.

• Early Exposure: If acquiring a young bird, expose it to a variety of people, sounds, and environments from an early age. This helps them adapt to new situations later in life.
• Family Interaction: Encourage all family members to interact with the bird (under supervision, especially initially). This helps the bird bond with multiple individuals and reduces the risk of it becoming a “one-person bird.”
• Body Language: Learn to read your Hyacinth Macaw‘s body language. Pinning eyes, fluffed feathers, or leaning in can indicate interest or affection, while withdrawn posture or a stiff body can signal fear or aggression.
• Managing Beak Pressure: Teach bite inhibition early on. If your bird nips too hard, a firm “no” and withdrawing attention for a few seconds can be effective. Never hit or punish your bird.

Addressing Behavioral Challenges

Even with the best care, Hyacinth Macaws can exhibit challenging behaviors. Understanding the root cause is the first step to addressing them.

• Screaming: Macaws are naturally loud. Excessive screaming can be a bid for attention, a reaction to boredom, or a sign of stress. Ensure adequate stimulation, set a routine, and reward quiet behavior.
• Biting: Biting is often a result of fear, aggression, feeling threatened, or simply exploring with their beak. Understand triggers, avoid putting your bird in uncomfortable situations, and continue positive reinforcement for gentle interactions.
• Feather Plucking: This is a serious issue that can stem from medical problems, stress, boredom, or a lack of attention. Consult an avian vet immediately to rule out medical causes. Address environmental factors like diet, enrichment, and social interaction.
• Bonding Issues: If your Hyacinth Macaw appears to bond exclusively with one person and become aggressive towards others, work on having other family members offer treats, engage in gentle play, and participate in care routines to broaden their social comfort zone.

Conservation Status and the Future of Hyacinth Macaws

While the Hyacinth Macaw is celebrated for its beauty, it faces significant threats in the wild, leading to its classification as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. Understanding these challenges and the efforts to combat them is crucial for anyone passionate about these magnificent birds.

Threats to Wild Populations

The decline in Hyacinth Macaw populations is primarily due to a combination of human-induced factors:

• Habitat Loss and Degradation: This is by far the most significant threat.
  • Deforestation: Large areas of their natural habitat, particularly palm savannas and gallery forests, are being cleared for cattle ranching, agriculture (especially soy plantations), and logging.
  • Palm Tree Removal: The specific palm trees that provide their primary food source and nesting sites are often targeted or destroyed.
  • Infrastructure Development: Roads, dams, and human settlements fragment remaining habitats.
• Illegal Pet Trade: Despite being protected under CITES Appendix I (prohibiting international commercial trade), wild-caught Hyacinth Macaws were historically, and to a lesser extent still are, captured for the lucrative exotic pet market. This practice severely depletes wild populations.
• Hunting: In some areas, they are hunted for their feathers (used in various crafts by indigenous people) or, less commonly, for meat.
• Disease: As habitats shrink and populations become more fragmented, the risk of disease transmission and reduced genetic diversity increases.

Conservation Efforts: A Glimmer of Hope

Dedicated individuals, organizations, and governments are working tirelessly to protect the Hyacinth Macaw and its habitat. These efforts have shown promising results in certain regions.

• Project Hyacinth Macaw (Projeto Arara Azul): Founded by Dr. Neiva Guedes in Brazil’s Pantanal, this iconic project has been instrumental in the recovery of the species. It focuses on:
  • Nest Box Installation: Providing artificial nest boxes to compensate for the lack of natural tree hollows.
  • Population Monitoring: Tracking individuals, breeding success, and overall population health.
  • Habitat Protection: Working with landowners to preserve key habitats.
  • Community Engagement: Educating local communities about the importance of conservation and involving them in protection efforts, creating economic incentives for conservation.
• Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife refuges, and private reserves helps to safeguard critical habitats from further destruction.
• Anti-Poaching Measures: Law enforcement and public awareness campaigns aim to reduce the illegal pet trade.
• Captive Breeding Programs: Zoos and accredited breeding facilities maintain healthy captive populations, serving as genetic reservoirs and promoting research. However, reintroduction into the wild is complex and rarely successful for large, long-lived birds like macaws.
• Ecotourism: Promoting responsible ecotourism can provide economic benefits to local communities, creating an incentive to protect macaws and their environment.

The future of the Hyacinth Macaw depends on continued vigilance, international cooperation, and a commitment to preserving their natural world. Every effort, from large-scale conservation projects to individual awareness, contributes to securing a future for these magnificent blue jewels of South America.

Is a Hyacinth Macaw the Right Pet for You?

The allure of the Hyacinth Macaw is undeniable, but it’s crucial to move beyond admiration to a realistic assessment of what it means to live with one. This is not a pet for the casual owner; it’s a profound commitment that impacts every aspect of your life.

The Commitment Level: Time, Space, and Finances

Before considering a Hyacinth Macaw, honestly evaluate if you can meet these significant demands:

• Time Commitment:
  • Daily Interaction: These birds crave attention and require several hours of dedicated, one-on-one interaction every day. Without it, they can become depressed, destructive, or develop behavioral issues.
  • Cleaning: Their large size means significant waste. Daily cage cleaning, food preparation, and weekly deep cleans are essential.
  • Training & Enrichment: Daily engagement with toys, foraging activities, and consistent training is vital for their mental health.
• Space Requirements:
  • As discussed, they need a truly enormous cage or aviary. Can your home or property accommodate this?
  • They also need out-of-cage time in a bird-proofed, safe environment to stretch their wings and explore.
• Financial Investment:
  • Initial Cost: A hand-fed, well-socialized Hyacinth Macaw chick can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 USD or more, making them one of the most expensive parrots to acquire.
  • Cage & Accessories: A suitable cage, perches, and initial toys can easily cost several thousand dollars.
  • Ongoing Expenses: High-quality pellets, fresh produce, nuts, and a constant supply of durable toys are expensive. Expect several hundred dollars a month.
  • Veterinary Care: Avian vet visits, especially emergencies, can be costly. Regular check-ups are essential.
  • Lifespan: Remember, you are committing to 50-60+ years of these expenses.

Personality Match: Are You Prepared?

• Noise Tolerance: While generally not as piercing as some macaws, Hyacinth Macaws are still large birds capable of very loud vocalizations. Can you and your neighbors tolerate occasional squawks and calls?
• Patience and Consistency: These birds are intelligent and sensitive. They thrive on routine, patience, and consistent positive reinforcement. If you lack these qualities, a Hyacinth Macaw may not be the best fit.
• Experience with Large Birds: While they are “gentle giants,” their powerful beaks require respect and understanding. Previous experience with large parrots is highly recommended.
• Lifestyle Compatibility: Are you home a lot? Do you travel frequently? These birds do not do well with prolonged periods of loneliness or neglect.

Ethical Considerations: Sourcing Your Companion

• Reputable Breeder: Always acquire your Hyacinth Macaw from a reputable, ethical breeder who prioritizes the health and socialization of their birds. They should be able to provide health records, genetic information, and allow you to visit their facility.
• Avoid Wild-Caught Birds: Never purchase a wild-caught Hyacinth Macaw. This supports the illegal pet trade, which is devastating to wild populations.
• Rescue Organizations: Consider adopting from a reputable parrot rescue. Many large parrots, including macaws, end up in rescues due to owners underestimating the commitment. This can be a rewarding option, but be prepared for a bird that may have complex behavioral or health needs.

Pros and Cons of Hyacinth Macaw Ownership

Here’s a quick summary to help you weigh the decision:

• Pros:
  • Incredibly intelligent and engaging companions.
  • Affectionate and capable of deep bonds.
  • Stunningly beautiful and majestic presence.
  • Can learn to mimic speech and perform tricks.
  • A truly unique and rewarding experience for the right owner.
• Cons:
  • Extremely expensive to acquire and maintain.
  • Require immense space (large cage/aviary).
  • Demand significant time and daily interaction.
  • Can live for 50-60+ years – a lifelong commitment.
  • Capable of very loud vocalizations.
  • Powerful beak requires careful handling and respect.
  • Can be destructive if bored or not properly enriched.
  • Prone to behavioral issues if not well-socialized and stimulated.

Ultimately, a Hyacinth Macaw is an extraordinary creature that deserves an equally extraordinary owner. If you have the resources, space, time, and unwavering dedication, sharing your life with one of these magnificent birds can be an incredibly enriching and unforgettable journey.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Blue Baron

The Hyacinth Macaw stands as an emblem of nature’s grandeur, a creature whose vibrant blue plumage and gentle demeanor belie its immense power and intelligence. From its impressive length as the world’s largest parrot to its specialized diet of tough palm nuts in the South American wilderness, every aspect of the Hyacinth Macaw speaks to a unique evolutionary journey and a profound connection to its environment. These “gentle giants” captivate us not just with their beauty, but with their capacity for deep affection and their remarkable cognitive abilities, making them truly exceptional companions for those prepared for the commitment.

However, the story of the Hyacinth Macaw is also a poignant reminder of our responsibility towards the natural world. Facing significant threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, their conservation status as “Vulnerable” underscores the urgent need for continued protection. Efforts like Project Hyacinth Macaw offer a beacon of hope, demonstrating that dedicated action can make a tangible difference in safeguarding these precious species for future generations. For anyone considering welcoming a Hyacinth Macaw into their home, this necessitates a profound understanding of their lifelong needs – the vast space, specialized diet, constant enrichment, and unwavering dedication required over their 50-60+ year lifespan.

To embark on a journey with a Hyacinth Macaw is to embrace a lifelong partnership with one of the most magnificent and intelligent creatures on Earth. It is a commitment that demands patience, financial stability, and an abundance of love. By understanding their needs, supporting conservation, and making informed decisions about their care, we can all contribute to ensuring that the majestic “Blue Baron” continues to grace our world, both in the wild and as cherished companions, for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Hyacinth Macaw the “world’s largest parrot”?

The Hyacinth Macaw holds the title of the world’s largest parrot primarily due to its impressive length, often reaching up to 39 inches (100 cm) from the tip of its beak to the end of its tail. This magnificent size, combined with its striking cobalt blue plumage, makes it an unmistakable and majestic bird.

What do Hyacinth Macaws typically eat in their natural habitat?

In the wild, Hyacinth Macaws have a specialized diet consisting almost entirely of the nuts from various palm trees, such as Acuri and Bocaiuva palms. Their incredibly powerful beaks are perfectly adapted to crack open these hard nuts, which are too tough for most other animals.

How long can a Hyacinth Macaw live, and what care do they require?

Hyacinth Macaws have an impressive lifespan, often living 50 to 60 years or even longer in captivity with proper care. These intelligent and social birds require significant commitment, including a spacious environment, a specialized diet, and abundant mental stimulation to thrive.

Why is the Hyacinth Macaw classified as an endangered species?

The Hyacinth Macaw faces significant threats, leading to its endangered status primarily due to habitat destruction and illegal poaching for the pet trade. Deforestation and the conversion of natural areas for agriculture severely limit their natural range and food sources.

Where do Hyacinth Macaws live in the wild?

Wild Hyacinth Macaws are native to central and eastern South America, found in three main areas. Their primary habitat includes the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, as well as parts of eastern Bolivia and northeastern Brazil.

Are Hyacinth Macaws suitable as pets, given their size and intelligence?

While beautiful and intelligent, Hyacinth Macaws are not suitable pets for most people due to their extreme care requirements and demanding nature. They need very large enclosures, specialized diets, immense social interaction, and can be incredibly loud, requiring a dedicated and experienced owner.