Ara macao — Three thousand years of companionship — the most iconic macaw in the world.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ara macao |
| Size | 81–96 cm, 900–1,100 g |
| Wingspan | Up to 115 cm |
| Lifespan | 50–75 years |
| Vocabulary | 20–40 words |
| Noise Level | Very loud |
| Family Suitability | Experienced owners |
| CITES Status | CITES Appendix I |
The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) is possibly the most iconic parrot species in history. Its blazing red plumage, accented with golden yellow wing coverts and royal blue flight feathers, creates one of the most spectacular natural colour combinations in the animal kingdom. Native to the humid forests of Mexico through to northern South America, the Scarlet has lived alongside humans for over 3,000 years — archaeological records from Mesoamerican civilisations show the species was kept as a ceremonial and companion bird millennia before European contact.
At Paraíso de Aves, our Scarlet Macaws are hand-raised from the very first days of life. They are bred under a full CITES Appendix I registration, and every bird leaves our facility with complete documentation including CITES certificates, individual ring ID, and a veterinary health certificate valid for international transport.
The Scarlet Macaw is famously spirited — energetic, bold, and intensely curious. Hand-raised birds that have been properly socialised are affectionate and engaging, but they have a stronger independent streak than the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw and can be less forgiving of inconsistent handling. They require confident, experienced owners who understand macaw body language and can establish respectful boundaries.
Scarlets tend to bond most closely with one primary person in a household, though well-socialised birds accept the wider family. They are playful, love foraging toys and novel objects, and will keep themselves entertained when provided adequate enrichment. Like all large macaws, they need significant daily interaction — 3–4 hours minimum outside the cage.
Scarlet Macaws in the wild consume a wide variety of fruits, seeds, nectar, and clay minerals. In captivity:
Mineral supplement (avian calcium and vitamin D3) is recommended, particularly during breeding periods. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onion, garlic, and alcohol.
Real photographs from our breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia — not stock images.
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For experienced parrot owners, absolutely. They are spectacular, engaging companions with vibrant personalities. They require confident handling and a thorough understanding of macaw body language. First-time bird owners should ideally start with a less demanding species.
50–75 years in captivity. This is a multi-decade commitment requiring careful planning for the bird's long-term care.
They can learn 20–40 words, though they are less accomplished talkers than African Greys or Amazon parrots. Their personality, colour, and presence more than compensate. Many owners find mimicry of household sounds more notable than vocabulary.
Yes. The Scarlet Macaw is listed on CITES Appendix I. Import into the UK requires both a Spanish CITES export permit and a UK CITES import permit (Article 10). We manage the export documentation; we will guide you through the import permit application.
Contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current pricing. Prices vary with age, sex, and availability.
Yes — to all UK regions and Ireland. We use specialist live-animal air freight with IATA-approved crates. The bird arrives healthy, calm, and ready to begin the acclimatisation process.
Minimum 120×90×160 cm; 180×90×200 cm is ideal. Bar gauge must be at least 4mm stainless steel. Natural wood perches of 5–8 cm diameter are essential for foot health.
Yes — they are among the louder macaw species, particularly during dawn and dusk calling periods. Their vocalisations are powerful and carry over considerable distances. This is a significant consideration for urban or flat-dwelling owners.
Contact us to discuss current availability, pricing, and the delivery process. We answer all enquiries promptly and without obligation.