Macaw vomit

Question
I'm hoping to find out why my Blue & Gold vomits when there seems to be no reason for it.  He is about seven years old and is a happy bird.  In the last year I have noticed him playing with his hanging ropes in the cage and someitmes he will hold the rope on one hand and continually tap it with his beak.  After a little while he vomits.  He does this in a playful way and I can see how he gets sick since his motion with the rope is the same as when he was fed as a baby, the thing is I don't know why he does this.  This morning I looked at him and he was sitting quietly, not playing with his rope.  Moments later I heard him vomiting.  This time it didn't seem to be self induced although I wasn't watching him too closely.  It's not a constant thing, but he tends to get sick once every couple months or so and it all started about a year ago.  His main diet is Exact parrot feed and I am carefull of the kind of people food I give him.  Everything else about him is normal.  It may not make a difference in all this but I don't really know his gender.  He is larger with a longer tail than other known females so I have assumed he is male.  He doesn't get car sick either so he isn't sensitive that way.
Do you have any ideas?

Answer
It sounds like your bird could just be regurgitating.  This is a sign of affection (for toys, people, other birds, etc...)

In the wild, birds feed each other to reinforce or create bonds (usually with their partner). In captivity, often we will see birds regurgitate for a favorite toy, or a favorite person.

However, if your bird is showing any other signs of illness- or if you believe that your bird is vomitting (not regurgitating)... then you will need to get your bird to an avian vet ASAP. If you aren't sure- it is best to be safe, than sorry and have your bird seen by a vet.

You can find an avian vet near you at either of these websites:

www.aav.org

or

http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/abvpvets.htm

I hope this helps.

-Maggie