Key Takeaways Scarlet Macaws and Red-and-Green Macaws are large, intelligent, and active parrots that require spacious enclosures and substantial care.The Crimson Rosella and Cherry-Headed Conure are colorful and social birds, best for owners who can provide regular handling and attention.The Female Eclectus is friendly and easygoing, suitable for those seeking a social companion with less maintenance than larger parrots.
Key Takeaways
Scarlet Macaws and Red-and-Green Macaws are large, intelligent, and active parrots that require spacious enclosures and substantial care.The Crimson Rosella and Cherry-Headed Conure are colorful and social birds, best for owners who can provide regular handling and attention.The Female Eclectus is friendly and easygoing, suitable for those seeking a social companion with less maintenance than larger parrots.
You might be familiar with the red feathers of certain macaw species, but many more red parrots and other birds also make great pets. These birds come in various sizes, and while some have relatively short lifespans, others can live for 50 years or more. Here are eight red bird species you'll often find in people's homes.
Tip Birds generally maintain their vibrant plumage for most of the year unless they are molting. If your bird's feathers look dull, it could indicate a dietary issue.
Tip
Birds generally maintain their vibrant plumage for most of the year unless they are molting. If your bird's feathers look dull, it could indicate a dietary issue.
Colorful Parrot Species: Top 8 Eye-Catching Birds to Consider
Scarlet Macaw
![Scarlet macaw flying]
Scarlet macaws, native to South America, can grow up to 35 inches from head to tail. They need spacious enclosures and space to play outside the cage. These intelligent and active red parrots require daily mental and physical exercise. They can be affectionate but are often noisy.
Species Overview Length: 31 to 38 inchesWeight: 32 to 39 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Vivid red with yellow and blue on wings and tail; white circles around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill; black feet
Species Overview
Length: 31 to 38 inchesWeight: 32 to 39 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Vivid red with yellow and blue on wings and tail; white circles around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill; black feet
Red-and-Green Macaw
![red-and-green macaw on a branch]
Contrary to their name, red-and-green macaws are mostly red. These large birds originate from South America and require specialized care that not everyone can manage. Consider visiting a local rescue to meet them and understand their personalities and needs. They can live for 50 years or more, so adopting one is a major commitment.
Species Overview Length: 26 to 40 inchesWeight: 32 to 60 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Red on head, shoulders, and breast; green on middle of wings turning to blue toward the tips; teal and red tail, red lines around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill
Species Overview
Length: 26 to 40 inchesWeight: 32 to 60 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Red on head, shoulders, and breast; green on middle of wings turning to blue toward the tips; teal and red tail, red lines around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill
Female Eclectus
![female eclectus parrot]
Eclectus parrots are a dimorphic species, meaning you can determine a bird's sex by its feather colors. Males have bright green plumage, while females are primarily red with blue on their bellies. Originating from Australia, their friendly and easygoing nature makes them popular pets.
Species Overview Length: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 13 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
Species Overview
Length: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 13 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
Crimson Rosella
![Crimson rosella]
Few red parrots are as vibrantly colored as the crimson rosella. These medium-sized parrots are not typically easy to tame and require extensive handling to maintain a friendly demeanor. Although less cuddly than some parrots, social birds will happily perch on their caretakers. They aren't the best talkers but can learn to whistle well.
Species Overview Length: 10 to 14 inchesWeight: 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Red with patches of blue on face, wings, and tail; black feathers highlighting back; females have green on tail
Species Overview
Length: 10 to 14 inchesWeight: 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Red with patches of blue on face, wings, and tail; black feathers highlighting back; females have green on tail
Canary (Red Factor)
![red canary in blue cage against blue wall]
Most people know canaries as yellow birds, but selective breeding has resulted in a variety of colors, including red. These small birds are generally hands-off pets due to their size and lack of tameness. They need a large enclosure since it is typically their only exercise space. Only male canaries sing melodiously.
Species Overview Length: 5 to 8 inchesWeight: 0.5 to 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Feathers of bright yellow (most common), red, orange, or white; some varieties have head crests or frilly feathers
Species Overview
Length: 5 to 8 inchesWeight: 0.5 to 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Feathers of bright yellow (most common), red, orange, or white; some varieties have head crests or frilly feathers
African Grey
![African grey on a perch]
The African grey is obviously primarily gray, but it does have flashes of red on its tail feathers. These birds are among the most intelligent parrots, making them somewhat of a challenge to keep entertained. Fortunately, most tend to be quite sociable and love to play games or learn tricks with their caretakers. They also can be extremely talented talkers.
Species Overview Length: 9 to 14 inchesWeight: 11 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly gray plumage with pale edging; black beak and bright red tail (Congo African grey); tan upper beak and maroon tail (Timneh African grey)
Species Overview
Length: 9 to 14 inchesWeight: 11 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly gray plumage with pale edging; black beak and bright red tail (Congo African grey); tan upper beak and maroon tail (Timneh African grey)
Rose-Breasted Cockatoo
![Rose-breasted cockatoo with outstretched wings]
The rose-breasted cockatoo has more pink than true red but is nonetheless a striking sight. Also known as the galah, their native Aboriginal Australian name, these birds are typically friendly and affectionate with their caretakers. As social birds, they require a lot of attention and can become upset or destructive if neglected.
Species Overview Length: 12 to 15 inchesWeight: 10 to 14 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Pink chest and lower part of face; pinkish-white crest; gray back, wings, and tail; gray feet; tan beak
Species Overview
Length: 12 to 15 inchesWeight: 10 to 14 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Pink chest and lower part of face; pinkish-white crest; gray back, wings, and tail; gray feet; tan beak
Cherry-Headed Conure
![cherry-headed conure in a tree]
Though primarily green, the cherry-headed conure is recognized for its bright red mask. These are among the most talkative conure species, making them challenging to keep in apartments or other housing near neighbors. They love being the center of attention and need a devoted caretaker to provide ample mental and physical exercise.
Species Overview Length: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green body; bright red on face and head; some have red extending down neck; red at tops of wings; white rings around eyes; tan beak; gray feet
Species Overview
Length: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green body; bright red on face and head; some have red extending down neck; red at tops of wings; white rings around eyes; tan beak; gray feet