Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw is arguably the most magnificent bird of the parrot family. In the wild with their wide strong wings, macaws can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour. Macaws grow to about thirty-six inches in length from beak to tail. Their eyes are a light yellow color and their beak is light on top and black on the bottom jaw. The general coloration of this bird is a bright scarlet red covering its head; red, yellow and blue wings; and a tail of deep blue with hints of red. Its feet and legs are jet black.

Social birds, they adapt well to human interaction, and need ample time outside of the cage for physical and mental health. They chew aggressively and need lots of stimulating toys and wood or natural branches to chew on. When young macaws are kept as single household pets, they soon become very attached to their owners and quickly learn to repeat a limited number of words. Although their vocabulary is not great, their brilliant coloring and confiding manner make them a popular species. Before considering a scarlet macaw as a pet, be aware that they can live to be 75 years old and can do a lot of damage with their very large beak. Their natural calls can be quite loud and may not be appropriate for apartment living.