Scarlet Macaw Complete Guide: Care, Cost and Personality (2026)

The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most instantly recognizable parrots in the world. Its bright red, yellow, and blue plumage has made it the face of the parrot family in popular media for decades. But behind the striking appearance is a demanding, intelligent, and often moody bird that requires experienced ownership. This guide walks through everything you should know before considering a Scarlet Macaw, including honest expectations about cost, temperament, and lifetime commitment.

What is a Scarlet Macaw?

The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) is a large macaw species native to humid rainforests across Central and South America, from southern Mexico through Brazil and Bolivia. They belong to the Ara genus alongside Blue and Gold, Green Wing, Military, and Buffon Macaws. Wild populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and past trapping, but captive breeding programs in the US have kept the species widely available in the pet trade.

What does a Scarlet Macaw look like?

• Length: 32 to 36 inches (including tail)
• Weight: 900 to 1,100 grams
• Wingspan: 40 to 50 inches
• Body color: Brilliant scarlet red
• Wing colors: Yellow across the middle, blue on the outer flight feathers
• Facial patch: Bare white skin with fine feather lines
• Beak: Massive, upper mandible pale horn, lower black
• Tail: Long and red, adds significant length to the bird

Personality and temperament

Scarlet Macaws are widely considered one of the more temperamental large macaws. They are highly intelligent, form deep bonds with primary humans, and can be affectionate and playful when their needs are met. But they are also known for being moody and prone to sudden bites or aggressive displays when overstimulated, hormonal, or unhappy with something in their environment.

Well socialized Scarlets from good breeding lines can be wonderful pets, but they require confident consistent handling from an experienced owner. This is not a species to learn parrot ownership on. Most avian behaviour experts recommend at least 5 years of experience with medium large parrots before taking on a Scarlet Macaw.

Are Scarlet Macaws good talkers?

Moderate. Scarlet Macaws typically develop vocabularies of 20 to 40 words and phrases. Their voice is loud and clear when they choose to speak. Some individuals surprise their owners with larger vocabularies, but they are not in the league of African Greys or the best Amazon species.

Are Scarlet Macaws loud?

Very. Scarlet Macaws are among the loudest parrots kept as pets. Their contact calls carry for over a mile in the wild and easily through apartment walls or into neighboring houses. Not suitable for any apartment, condo, or shared wall situation. Detached housing is essential.

How much does a Scarlet Macaw cost?

Hand raised Scarlet Macaws cost $3,500 to $6,000 in the US in 2026 from a working aviary. Median pricing sits around $4,000 to $4,500 for a fully weaned DNA sexed baby with complete health documentation.

For pricing on other large macaw species, see our Blue and Gold Macaw guide or the Military Macaw cost guide. For the full lineup, browse the macaws category page.

First year cost of owning a Scarlet Macaw

The bird itself is only the starting number. First year Scarlet ownership adds another $3,000 to $5,500.

• Cage: $1,500 to $3,000 for a proper Scarlet cage. Minimum 48 by 36 by 60 inches with heavy stainless steel bars.
• Perches, bowls, and heavy duty toys: $400 to $800
• Food (first year): $900 to $1,500
• Avian vet first year: $400 to $800
• Emergency fund: $2,500 minimum
• Shipping (if buying out of state): $400 to $700 via Delta Cargo

Scarlet Macaw vs Blue and Gold Macaw

Most Scarlet Macaw buyers are also considering Blue and Gold Macaws. The two species are similar in size but different in temperament.

• Scarlet Macaw: More temperamental, moody, prone to sudden mood shifts. Requires experienced handling.
• Blue and Gold Macaw: Widely considered more even tempered. Better first large macaw for a new owner.

If you are choosing your first large macaw, most experienced owners recommend Blue and Gold over Scarlet unless you specifically want the red coloration.

How long do Scarlet Macaws live?

Scarlet Macaws typically live 40 to 60 years in captivity with proper care, and some documented individuals have reached 75. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.

Is a Scarlet Macaw the right bird for you?

Choose a Scarlet Macaw if: you have 5+ years of medium or large parrot experience; you have detached housing where extreme noise is manageable; you have the space for a 48 by 36 by 60 inch cage; you can commit to 4+ hours of daily interaction; and you can accept the 50 year commitment.

Choose a Blue and Gold Macaw instead if: you want a large iconic macaw but you are a newer large parrot owner. Blue and Golds are generally more forgiving of first time large macaw ownership.

Where to buy a Scarlet Macaw

At Mo’s Birds we work with multiple macaw species from our Southern California aviary. To see the current macaw lineup, browse the macaws category page, or contact Mo directly for Scarlet Macaw waitlist information. All Mo’s Birds macaw babies are hand fed from around 3 weeks of age, DNA sexed, health tested, and ship nationwide via Delta Cargo.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Scarlet Macaw cost?

$3,500 to $6,000 for a hand raised baby from a US breeder in 2026. Median is around $4,000 to $4,500.

Are Scarlet Macaws good pets?

For experienced large parrot owners, yes. For first time or novice owners, no. Scarlets are temperamental and demanding.

Do Scarlet Macaws talk?

Moderate. Typically 20 to 40 words and phrases. Not chosen primarily for talking ability.

Are Scarlet Macaws legal to own in the USA?

Yes for captive bred birds. No permit is required for captive bred Scarlets kept as pets. Wild capture and international import are heavily restricted under CITES.

How long do Scarlet Macaws live?

40 to 60 years in captivity with proper care. Some documented individuals reach 75.

Are Scarlet Macaws louder than Blue and Golds?

Similar. Both species are among the loudest parrots kept as pets. Neither is apartment appropriate.