Macaw Species · South America
Red-and-Green Macaw
Closely related to green-winged macaws — brilliant red, blue and green.
By WARN Research & Conservation TeamLast updated
In brief
The Red-and-Green Macaw is closely related to the Green-Winged Macaw — brilliant red, blue and green plumage across Amazonian South America. Its defining trait is strong pair bonding and loud vocalisation in a species reliant on intact riverine forest.
What are the key facts about a Red-and-Green Macaw?
The Red-and-Green Macaw is a macaw species from South America: large (90 cm), active, vocal, pair-bonded. Closely related to green-winged macaws — brilliant red, blue and green.
| Origin | South America |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (90 cm) |
| Typical length | 85–90 cm (33–35 in) typical length |
| Lifespan | 40–60 years (large macaws) or 30–40 years (mini macaws) |
| Plumage | Scarlet-red head and body with green and blue wing feathers and blue tail. Lines of small red feathers on otherwise bare white facial skin distinguish adults. Feather care includes regular misting, safe perches of varied diameter and protection from cigarette smoke and aerosol pollutants. |
| Temperament | Active, vocal, pair-bonded |
| Conservation note | Expert aviculturists only — CITES Appendix I species with wild populations threatened by deforestation and historical trapping. Captive birds need lifelong commitment, large aviaries and social interaction. Conservation support for Amazon corridor protection addresses root threats better than unverified wild-sourced birds. |
Should you keep a Red-and-Green Macaw?
Usually no. A Red-and-Green Macaw is a macaw species from South America, not a starter pet. Most of the birds in this library are pressured by habitat loss and the pet trade; a legal captive bird still needs decades of specialist care.
Parrots are long-lived, loud and socially demanding. A Red-and-Green Macaw from South America is not a weekend project. If you already share a home with one, this page is about honest husbandry and why wild populations still need habitat, not about encouraging a purchase.
Never buy a wild-caught bird. If you are choosing a companion parrot at all, work with a rescue or a documented captive-bred source, budget for an avian vet, and assume the animal will outlive several house moves.
What is a Red-and-Green Macaw?
Closely related to green-winged macaws — brilliant red, blue and green. Origin is South America; coat or markings are described as Scarlet-red head and body with green and blue wing feathers and blue tail. Lines of small red feathers on otherwise bare white facial skin distinguish adults. Feather care includes regular misting, safe perches of varied diameter and protection from cigarette smoke and aerosol pollutants..
Treat “species” here as a library label for a wild species or distinct form, not as a kennel-club product.
Where does the Red-and-Green Macaw come from?
Red-and-Green Macaws come from South America. Red-and-Green Macaws nest in high riverbank cliffs and large trees in the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
Indigenous trade in feathers preceded modern pet demand. Range-wide declines led to strict trade controls. Ecotourism lodges in Peru and Brazil showcase wild macaws at clay licks, generating local income for protection.
That origin still shows. A Red-and-Green Macaw is large (90 cm) and active, vocal, pair-bonded, typically living 40–60 years (large macaws) or 30–40 years (mini macaws). Use the history as context for care and conservation, not as folklore to repeat without sources.
What does a Red-and-Green Macaw actually need?
A wild Red-and-Green Macaw needs the habitat and social system of South America, not a spare room. Size (Large (90 cm)) and a active, vocal, pair-bonded life history are why private keeping fails.
In the wild that means connected habitat, a diet the species evolved with, and distance from the pet and selfie trades. Captive “care sheets” for wild macaws are how trafficking gets laundered as husbandry.
If you already work in accredited rescue, follow specialist protocols and licensing. Everyone else: do not acquire a Red-and-Green Macaw. Support habitat and anti-trafficking work instead.
What surprises people about the Red-and-Green Macaw?
A few details about the breed, alongside the practical care information in this guide.
- Large river cliff colonies can hold dozens of nesting pairs visible from boats.
- They visit clay licks to neutralise toxins in forest fruit diets.
- Red-and-Green Macaws form strong pair bonds with mutual preening.
- They are often confused with Green-Winged Macaws but are a distinct taxonomic species.
What health issues should you know about in a Red-and-Green Macaw?
Health concerns to discuss with your vet, including changes to watch for and everyday care. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Respiratory disease
Airborne pathogens, aspergillosis and irritants cause dyspnoea and tail bobbing.
Care: Excellent ventilation, HEPA filtration where appropriate and prompt avian veterinary diagnostics.
Feather plucking
Multifactorial self-trauma of plumage requiring medical and environmental assessment.
Care: Avian vet examination, blood work and structured enrichment plan.
Beak malocclusion
Trauma or poor wear causes misalignment interfering with feeding.
Care: Regular beak evaluation at wellness exams; corrective trim by avian vet.
Who should skip a Red-and-Green Macaw?
Skip a Red-and-Green Macaw if you are anyone hoping to keep a Red-and-Green Macaw as a pet or photo prop. This South America macaw is large (90 cm) and active, vocal, pair-bonded — the mismatch is usually lifestyle, not a missing accessory.
This page is allowed to say no. Skip if you are anyone hoping to keep a Red-and-Green Macaw as a pet or photo prop. Skip if you are anyone who will pay for a wild-caught or roadside animal. Skip if you are tourists looking for handling or selfies.
A different macaw species on this site may fit. Wanting “a Red-and-Green Macaw” after a film or a colour photo is not a reason to ignore the skip list.
What are the hidden catches with a Red-and-Green Macaw?
The hidden cost of a Red-and-Green Macaw is usually not the purchase price. It is years of care, the health list on this page, and the mismatch between a active, vocal, pair-bonded animal and a busy home.
The pet-trade catch
Cute infant Red-and-Green Macaws in ads were usually taken from wild families. The adult you cannot house is then dumped, euthanised, or passed on. Do not create that demand.
The tourism catch
Paying to hold, ride, or selfie with a Red-and-Green Macaw funds the next capture or a stressed ambassador animal. Distance and accredited viewing are the ethical default.
The respiratory disease catch
Airborne pathogens, aspergillosis and irritants cause dyspnoea and tail bobbing. Excellent ventilation, HEPA filtration where appropriate and prompt avian veterinary diagnostics.
The feather plucking catch
Multifactorial self-trauma of plumage requiring medical and environmental assessment. Avian vet examination, blood work and structured enrichment plan.
How does a Red-and-Green Macaw compare with Blue-Throated Macaw and Lear's Macaw?
A Red-and-Green Macaw is not interchangeable with Blue-Throated Macaw and Lear's Macaw. Compare origin, size, lifespan and temperament before you choose — those four lines prevent most regret.
| Macaw fact | Red-and-Green Macaw | Blue-Throated Macaw | Lear's Macaw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | South America | Bolivia | Brazil |
| Size | Large (90 cm) | Large (85 cm) | Large (75 cm) |
| Lifespan | 40–60 years (large macaws) or 30–40 years (mini macaws) | 40–60 years (large macaws) or 30–40 years (mini macaws) | 40–60 years (large macaws) or 30–40 years (mini macaws) |
| Temperament | Active, vocal, pair-bonded | Rare, social, endangered | Endangered, colony-nesting |
What is the verdict on the Red-and-Green Macaw?
A Red-and-Green Macaw is a wild macaw to understand and protect, not a pet to acquire. If you came here to buy one, the verdict is no. If you came here to learn, use the species guide next.
Help looks like habitat, enforcement and refusing the trade — not a cage in a spare room. WARN is a CIC, not a charity; donate only if you want to fund partner work in our network countries, and do not expect Gift Aid.
Macaws belong in the wild
Every macaw species in this guide is threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. A symbolic adoption or gift to WARN helps fund anti-trafficking work and sanctuary care for parrots seized from smugglers.
