Scarlet Macaw: Bird Species Characteristics and Care

Many bird enthusiasts consider scarlet macaws the most beautiful parrots due to their striking red, blue, and yellow feathers. This bold bird is energetic and full of personality, consistently ranking among the most popular parrot species.

Origin and History

Scarlet macaws originate from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, thriving in humid evergreen forests at elevations between 1,000 to 3,000 feet. In the wild, they primarily occupy the canopy and uppermost tree layers.

Scarlet macaws have a wide natural range but face threats from deforestation and illegal trapping for the pet trade. They are listed on Appendix 1 of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), prohibiting commercial trade and importation to the U.S.

Temperament

While their striking plumage initially captures attention, scarlet macaws' personalities truly keep your interest. These intelligent birds exude energy and character.

Hand-raised or trained scarlet macaws are often very affectionate, making them great companions with sweet temperaments.

In the wild, scarlet macaws live in small flocks. As a solitary pet, you'll become its flockmate, fostering a strong bond. Daily interaction is crucial for a tame domestic relationship. Without appropriate training and socialization, they can become aggressive and destructive.

Scarlet macaws can become attached to one person. To prevent this, train them early to socialize with all family members.

Their large, powerful beaks can deliver a painful bite if provoked, making them unsuitable for families with small children who may not recognize bird warning signs or boundaries.

Scarlets, like all macaws, can be noisy. They are capable of learning to talk, though the blue and gold macaw is often a more prolific talker.

Speech and Vocalizations

Confident and friendly, scarlet macaws are typically eager to learn tricks and develop a vocabulary of 5 to 10 words. They can become extremely loud, potentially making them unsuitable for apartment or condominium living. If you're sensitive to noise, consider another bird species. 

Scarlet Macaw Colors and Markings

Scarlet macaws are predominantly vivid red with bright yellow and blue edges on their wings. Occasionally, a green band appears between the yellow and blue. They have a distinctive white eye patch and a beak with a horn-colored upper mandible and black lower mandible. Males and females look similar; genetic or surgical sexing is required to differentiate them.

Caring for the Scarlet Macaw

Macaws are the largest of the parrots. A scarlet macaw is best suited for a large space and will not thrive in a cage that is too small. Get a cage that is at least 2 1/2 feet by 3 feet. It needs a lot of out-of-cage time, and if it doesn't get it, the bird may develop behavioral problems. It will resort to feather-plucking and other forms of self-mutilation. They can get bored quite easily, so provide them with large swings and toys.

Bathe your macaw weekly, using lukewarm water with a handheld shower sprayer set to fine mist.

To prevent your bird from flying through an open window or door, trim its primary wing feathers.

Common Health Problems

Like other large parrots, scarlet macaws can engage in self-mutilation and feather plucking when bored or neglected.

These birds are susceptible to a variety of nutritional disorders and diseases, such as macaw wasting syndrome (proventricular dilation disease), parrot fever (psittacosis), and psittacine beak and feather disease (viral infection). 

Overgrown beaks can be an issue; prevent this by providing hard chewable toys and rough surfaces for beak trimming.

Diet and Nutrition

In the wild, nuts, leaves, berries, and seeds form most of the scarlet macaw's diet. Their strong, hooked beaks efficiently break nuts and seeds.

Captive macaws thrive on a diet beginning with a formulated parrot mix containing seeds, dried fruits, and nuts. Daily, offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-calcium greens like kale and spinach. Avoid feeding only seeds, as this is unhealthy. Chocolate and avocado are toxic and must be avoided.

A healthy macaw typically consumes about 10 to 15% of its body weight daily. They weigh around 2 pounds and eat approximately 1/2 cup of food daily, totaling about 100 pounds yearly. Feed them in the morning, and remove uneaten chop or freshly cut fruits and vegetables after an hour.

Exercise

As large, inherently active birds, macaws require plenty of space and time to exercise. Allow a scarlet macaw out of its cage for a minimum of two hours daily; five hours is ideal.

Regularly rotate a variety of chew toys to exercise their powerful beaks and jaws. Durable toys support jaw muscles and satisfy their chewing instinct.

Provide a play gym or parrot cargo net for climbing and play to meet your macaw's exercise needs.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet macaws are typically available from avian specialty pet stores or breeders. Prices range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on breeder reputation, hand-raising status, and vibrancy.

Rescues and adoption agencies may receive these birds from owners unable to continue care. Consider these online sources:

• Bird Breeders
• Free Flight
• Adopt a Pet

If choosing a breeder, inquire about their experience and history with the species. Tour their facility, checking for healthy flock characteristics: active, alert birds with bright eyes, clean feathers, and full crops.

More Pet Bird Species and Further Research

If you're interested in similar species, consider:

• Green-Wing Macaw Species Profile
• Harlequin Macaw Species Profile
• Hyacinth Macaw Species Profile

Otherwise, explore all our other macaw species profiles.