The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most colorful and the largest of all Macaws. It is a type of parrot that is commonly sold in the pet trade. People love having an exotic bird such as this one that they can put on display in their home.
Scarlet macaw Facts
| Scarlet macaw is type of large parrot that belongs to the group of Neotropical parrots. There are two subspecies of scarlet macaw that can be found in Mexico and Central and South America. Scarlet macaw inhabits rainforests, woodlands and forested areas near the rivers. Habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal collecting from the wild due to pet trade are responsible for the sharp decline in the number of scarlet macaws in some parts of their range. Luckily, global population of scarlet macaws is still large and stable and these birds are not on the list of endangered species. |
Care & Feeding
Like all birds, the scarlet macaw will thrive in a large environment, and will suffer in a cage that’s inadequate for its size. This bird is known for self-mutilation when confined, and will not do well with an owner who doesn’t plan on allowing it sufficient out-of-cage time. Large swings and toys are a must, too, because the scarlet is an active bird that likes to play and chew. If not given the opportunity to chew, it will become quite unhappy and may turn the chewing onto its feathers.
Scarlet macaw live in small groups in the wild, and a lone scarlet macaw in a household can become lonely if not interacted with regularly. This is not a bird for someone who isn’t home a lot, or someone who doesn’t understand the intricacies and responsibilities of bird keeping. This is a sensitive, clever bird that can easily become bored and miserable, leading to excessive noise, plucking and biting.
Personality & Behavior
The scarlet is a “sassy” bird, filled with energy and personality. It’s highly intelligent and is a capable escape artist. It has distinct likes and dislikes, and can become a “one person bird” if care is not taken to train the bird otherwise. The beak is formidable and it can pack a wallop of a bite, so it’s not a great bird for children. Even the tamest of these birds can be “nippy” to get its way — it’s not a companion for meek or fearful individuals.
This is an easily trainable bird and can be taught complicated “tricks” if done gently and with patience.
Speech & Sound
The scarlet macaw is not the most competent talker in the macaw family, but with those looks, it doesn’t have to talk. It will learn a few words and phrases, though it will do more screaming than talking. This is not a bird for someone living among sensitive neighbors or with an infant, unless there’s plenty of space between the bird and those who will be disturbed by its loud screeching.
Health & Common Conditions
Like other parrots, scarlet macaws are prone to self-mutilation/feather plucking, and nutritional disorders, and a variety of diseases, including Macaw Wasting Syndrome, as well as overgrown beaks. A nutritionally balanced diet and regular veterinary health exams can help keep your scarlet macaw healthy and thriving.