Ruby Macaw: Info, Origin, Colors, Care & Pictures

The Ruby Macaw is a hybrid parrot, a cross between the Scarlet Macaw and Green-Winged Macaw. These beautiful birds are similar to Green-Winged Macaws in appearance but with additional orange and yellow feathers on their backs and wings. They are first-generation hybrids, meaning that they are a cross between two species that occur naturally in the wild but are bred entirely in captivity.

Ruby Macaws are arguably the most beautiful species of Macaw, and they have lovely personalities, too! In this article, we’ll discuss Ruby Macaws and provide tips on how to care for them.

Species Overview

Origin and History

Green-Winged Macaws are the second-largest parrot species, reaching up to 40 inches tall. They are native to the tropical forests of Central and Southern America but have been kept as pets for hundreds of years and have been successfully bred in captivity since the early 19^th century.

Since they’re native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Scarlet Macaws prefer higher elevations than Green-Winged Macaws in humid evergreen forests. While these two species may meet and breed in the wild, it’s highly unlikely, and all Ruby Macaws available as pets are bred purposely in captivity.

The natural habitats of both these birds are under threat due to deforestation, and the Scarlet Macaw is becoming endangered. It’s illegal to import the birds to the United States, as the commercial trade of Macaws is forbidden, and any birds for sale in the U.S. are captive-bred.

Temperament

Ruby Macaws are bred largely for their appearance rather than their personality and can inherit the personality traits of either parent. They are typically not as laidback and docile as Green-Winged Macaws, but they certainly inherit some traits that Green-Winged parrots are known for, including loads of affection and close bonding with their owners. They are playful and curious birds that love exploring their environment and surroundings and are known to be mischievous at times!

They also inherit their Scarlet Macaw parents’ intelligence and high energy and have comical personalities. Hybrid parrots are always a surprise regarding their temperament, as they can inherit both aspects of their parent breeds or be somewhere down the middle.

In general, Ruby Macaws are what you’d expect most Macaws to be: intelligent, playful, affectionate, and occasionally mischievous!

Speech & Vocalizations

Like most Macaws, Ruby Macaws are extremely loud, especially in the early morning and evening, so they are not ideal pets if you have neighbors close by. They are known to screech and scream when they get excited, feel threatened, or want your attention! Neither the Green-Winged nor Scarlet Macaw is known for having large vocabularies or mimicking abilities, but with the right training, Ruby Macaws can learn 15–20 words and phrases.

Ruby Macaw Colors and Markings

The colors and markings of your Ruby Macaw will depend on the male parent species, as he carries the dominant genes. If the male is a Green-Wing, the offspring looks similar to the Green-Wing Macaw in size and plumage. The wings and back may vary slightly, with varying amounts of yellow and orange and edging of gorgeous iridescent blues. Aside from this coloring in the wings, these birds are similar to and often mistaken for Green-Wings.

If the father is a Scarlet Macaw, their coloring will be similar, although the offspring will be closer in size to the Scarlet and have less facial feathering. No matter the dominant coloring, Ruby Macaws are often considered one of the most strikingly beautiful Macaw species, and once you see one, it’s difficult to disagree!

Caring for the Ruby Macaw

There is no difference in the care of a Ruby Macaw than any other Macaw species; they require the same housing, feeding, and interaction as any other Macaw. They are large, have long lifespans, and need a great deal of attention and interaction; thus, they are a massive responsibility. Macaws are intelligent birds that need regular mental stimulation and physical activity. They are social animals that need regular interaction with their owners but are better kept alone because they can become territorial if kept with other Macaws.

They need large cages of at least 3 by 3 feet, but the bigger, the better. They also need at least 3–4 hours of time outside their cage every day. They can get bored easily, resulting in destructive behavior and feather plucking. Interaction, toys, perches, swings, and time outside their cage are vital to their mental and physical health.

Common Health Problems

Diet and Nutrition

The best diet for a Ruby Macaw is specially formulated parrot pellets, which will meet all your Macaw’s nutritional requirements. Of course, they’ll love seed mixes, too, and they have beaks built to crack open nuts and seeds, but they contain a large amount of fat and should make up no more than 20% of their daily diet. Ruby Macaws can also occasionally eat fresh fruits and vegetables as treats for variety and additional nutrition.

Exercise

In the wild, Ruby Macaws fly dozens of miles every day and climb up and down branches foraging for food. In captivity, you’ll need to replicate this activity by giving your Macaw plenty of time outside of their cage and various branches, perches, swings, and other toys to play with. Chew toys will help them exercise their powerful beaks, and plenty of cage space will enable them to stretch their wings.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Ruby Macaw

Ruby Macaws are not as common as their parent species and can be difficult and expensive to purchase. The best place to find them is through avian pet stores or through reputable breeders. Depending on the breeder and availability, they can range from $2,000 to $5,000, although the average cost is around $3,000.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a Ruby Macaw in need of a home through an adoption agency or rescue organization, as many owners buy a Macaw without understanding the massive responsibility that they are committing to. Not only will it cost you less to get a Macaw through one of these organizations, but you’ll also give a bird in need a loving home.

Summary

Arguably one of the most beautiful Macaws, the Ruby Macaw was developed for their striking appearance. The breeders certainly succeeded, as the orange, red, and blue plumage of these Macaws is beyond compare. They have lovely temperaments, too, inheriting the best aspects of both their parent breeds, resulting in a docile, intelligent, and affectionate bird.

Ruby Macaws have significant care requirements and exceedingly long lifespans. If all their needs are met, they will give you a lifetime of unique companionship that is not found with any other pet.

• See Also: 5 Types of Macaw Hybrids & Crossbreeds (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Ammit Jack, Shutterstock