Copyright 2003
Wendy’s Parrots
Scarlet

The vibrant red and blue feathers of the Scarlet Macaw contrast beautifully with the band of yellow on their wings. This is one of the reasons Scarlet Macaws are considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Macaws. The Scarlet Macaw is big and majestic!

They are wild parrots and they know it. Scarlet Macaws do not give their devotion to just anyone. But if you are lucky enough to be loved by a Scarlet there is no comparison.

 These birds are often confused with the larger Greenwing Macaw. While some Scarlet Macaws do have green on their wings, Greenwing Macaws do not have yellow. You can also distinguish between the two by what appears to be a bare facial patch on the Scarlet. However if you look closely, the face is not actually bare, but covered with small white feathers. As babies these white feathers are blackish brown in color and very fine.

What negatives you may have heard about the Scarlet Macaw are not necessarily true. Some people feel that Scarlets do not make good pets. I feel they can make Excellent “Companions” even though they may not be for everyone. There are positives and negatives to every species of parrot.

 I have heard Scarlets described as one-person birds. I don’t think there is such a thing as a one-person bird. People say that about the Grey’s and nothing could be further from the truth. Will a Scarlet choose a favorite person? Probably. But that does not mean they will not have relationships and “Good” relationships with other members of the family. Yes, a Scarlet can be a family bird.

Scarlets do tend to express themselves with their beak more than any of the other macaws. But this does not mean they are biters! A nip is not the same as a bite! However this statement is not meant to imply that a Scarlet will not bite. Any parrot can bite and will if the correct set of circumstances are present. Scarlets use their beaks to show anger, to play, and when they are excited. Before purchasing your Scarlet Macaw make sure it has been well socialized, exposed to a variety of circumstances, and raised with love and nurturing guidance. It is then owner to let their Scarlet know what is and is not appropriate and to act accordingly. Scarlet Macaws often need to be redirected which is easy to do since they are very intelligent and easy to train. Many people teach tricks to their Scarlet Macaws. And many Scarlet Macaws teach their humans a few too.

 Scarlets are not only gorgeous, they know they are gorgeous! And they want you to know they are gorgeous! They seem to have an attitude of superiority. This really comes in handy when training their humans.

Baby Scarlets are one of the most fun babies to have in my playpen! They love to play! Baby Scarlets are the ones I find on their backs playing with their toes or with the toys hanging over their bellies. This carries over into adulthood. Scarlets continue to like to play and many love to learn tricks. A Scarlet likes to keep busy and loves a challenge.