Scarlet Macaw Behavior

Scarlet macaws (Ara macao) are parrots with a long domestication history -- starting with the Pueblo peoples of at least a millennium ago. Scarlet macaws often live alongside people in homes, but many still inhabit their natural settings of South America, Central America and the southern part of Mexico.

  1. Scarlet Macaw Background Information

    • These sizable parrots usually weigh more than 42 ounces -- rather hefty for avian standards. They typically grow to lengths of just under 3 feet. Their intensely vivid and predominantly crimson plumage is one of the reasons they are adored as pets. They also have other conspicuous color elements throughout their bodies, including white, blue and yellow. Scarlet macaws are extremely gregarious and companionable birds; out in the wild they tend to congregate in massive and loud social units.

    Basic Temperament

    • As pets in captivity, scarlet macaws tend to possess spirited, pleasant, affectionate, clever and playful temperaments. They often connect deeply with their human caretakers and, because of that, usually need a lot of attention and tender loving care. If scarlet macaws haven't had lots of experience with people, they occasionally bite. If they were carefully reared closely alongside human beings, however, they generally do not partake in such undesirable behavior. Be extremely careful around scarlet macaws who bite, and never allow children or other pets near them.

    Intuition

    • Scarlet macaws are considered especially intuitive birdies. If there is any type of tension going on around them, they can often pick up on it quickly. Supportive, loving and friendly living spaces are optimal for these rather emotionally delicate creatures.

    Noisy Behavior

    • One behavioral trait scarlet macaws possess is sheer loudness. They are, by no stretch of the imagination, meek or quiet parrots. Not only are they talented speakers, they are vocal in general, with a wide array of sometimes grating and piercing shrieks, grumbles and screams.

    Monogamy

    • Many varieties of birds are monogamous in their reproductive habits, and scarlet macaws are among them. When these parrots pair up, they are serious about it, sticking together with a "till death do us part" arrangement. They are often quite apparent with their various tokens of affection, whether it comes to grooming or even licking the other.