Their feet are zygodactylous, meaning that the 2 outer toes of the foot point backwards and grip in opposition to the 2 forward-pointing toes. This gives the macaw an excellent grasp of its perch or tree limb. There are locking tendons in the lower ankle area which lock when sleeping on a perch or limb and prevent falling. Their sense of smell is thought to be poor. But their vision and tactile sense are excellent.
Scarlet macaws spend much of their time in treetops.
These splendid parrots inhabit forests and tall palms growing in swamps or along water courses. At the approach of danger they rise into the air screeching loudly. Macaws live in flocks in the wild and are intensely social birds, mating for life. Macaws are gregarious, usually being found in small flocks, family groups, or in pairs. They are extremely noisy birds which have harsh, unmelodic voices.