Scarlet Macaw vs African Grey Parrot
Quick answer
In a hypothetical one-on-one, the Scarlet Macaw would most likely come out on top in a close contest, thanks to its a more favorable balance of size, strength, and weaponry. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.
This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.
Bird
Least Concern
Bird
EndangeredScarlet Macaw vs African Grey Parrot compared
| Attribute | Scarlet Macaw | African Grey Parrot |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 kg | 400 g |
| Length | 85 cm | 33 cm |
| Top speed | 56 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Strength | 18/100 | 12/100 |
| Deadliness | 5/100 | 5/100 |
| Intelligence | 70/100 | 90/100 |
| Lifespan | 45 yr | 55 yr |
Scarlet Macaw vs African Grey Parrot: common questions
Who would win in a fight, a Scarlet Macaw or a African Grey Parrot?
In a hypothetical one-on-one, the Scarlet Macaw would most likely come out on top in a close contest, thanks to its a more favorable balance of size, strength, and weaponry. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.
Which is bigger, the Scarlet Macaw or the African Grey Parrot?
The Scarlet Macaw is heavier, weighing around 1 kg compared with the other's 0.4 kg.
Which is faster, the Scarlet Macaw or the African Grey Parrot?
The Scarlet Macaw is faster, reaching about 56 km/h versus 50 km/h.
Which lives longer, the Scarlet Macaw or the African Grey Parrot?
The African Grey Parrot typically lives longer, up to around 55 years compared with 45 years.
Sources & references
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; size, weight, speed, and lifespan figures are drawn from Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) and Nowak, Walker’s Mammals of the World (Johns Hopkins University Press), cross-checked against each species’ own guide. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:
- Scarlet Macaw — full guide
IUCN Red List (Least Concern, Ara macao)
- African Grey Parrot — full guide
IUCN Red List (Endangered, Psittacus erithacus)
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Animal Diversity Web — University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Life-history, morphology, and measurement data for Scarlet Macaw and African Grey Parrot.
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Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker’s Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
Standard reference for body size, weight, and life-span ranges.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, and review wildlife comparisons.
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