Lutino Macaw (Everything You Need to Know)

Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Lutino macaw also known as the Golden jewels of macaw is a lutino mutation of blue and gold macaw. A Lutino bird is one that exhibits yellow pigmentation known as xanthochromism.

The Lutino mutation results in the removal of melanin throughout the body. Consequently, the macaw will not exhibit the natural blue and yellow coloring of the blue and gold macaw. 

There is a very limited number of these available. Unlike the Blue and Gold Macaws with black beaks, claws, and facial features, the Lutino has bright yellow-orange feathers, as well as white beaks, tongues, legs, and claws.

As opposed to black, its eyes are a pinkish-gray color. In this species, the lutino variation is a result of a sex-linked gene mutation that causes the yellow feathers. Since two non-lutino birds can produce lutino offspring, it is considered a recessive gene.

Appearance

An average Lutino macaw measures 33 inches to 39 inches in length, which is similar to the size of a blue and gold macaw. Their weight ranges from two to four pounds. The whole plumage is yellow due to the mutation.

The wings are white to light yellow in color. The beaks are white rather than black. The muscles and claws of the legs are also white in color.

Personality

Lutino macaws have a similar temperament to blue and gold macaws. Known for their sociability and even, sweet dispositions, lutino macaws make excellent pets. As a plus, they are intelligent, willing to learn, and able to speak well.

They adapt well to different people and other birds when allowed to socialize with a variety of people. Additionally, the lutino macaw is excellent at performing tricks. Many owners use bird leashes and car seats to transport their birds to bird shows and around town.

There is no doubt that these macaws are friendly around the house. They seek attention from their owners and enjoy being near them. Furthermore, they are also content to watch the activities around them from their perch.

Speech and Sound

The Latino macaw makes really loud calls, which neighbors don’t like. For people who live in apartments and condos or have little kids who get startled by noise, these aren’t the best.

This bird talks a lot, learns fast and wants to please. If you’re consistent, training isn’t hard. Usually, they are able to learn 20 words and phrases. It is considered one of the most desirable talking parrots due to the clarity of its voice.

Caring for the Lutino Macaw

The lutino macaw, like most macaws, loves attention and bonds strongly with its owner. In order to keep these birds from screaming out of boredom, it is important to socialize them properly and provide them with adequate mental stimulation.

A cage for these raucous birds should be at least five feet tall, three or four feet wide, and four or five feet long. It is essential that the bird has plenty of space to stretch its wings, hop and climb, and maintain its activity level.

In some cases, owners maintain a bird-safe room in their homes. As these birds have a tendency to nibble on almost anything, it is best to remove electrical wires, jewelry, and wooden furniture from your home.

Before purchasing this bird, you should also consider the cost of ownership. Additionally, take into account the cost of avian veterinarian visits, high-quality feed, and accessories such as a cage, play stand, and toys.

Despite being long-lived birds, Lutino macaws are susceptible to a viral infection called macaw wasting syndrome and overgrowth of the beaks. If they feel neglected or bored, they may self-mutilate by plucking their feathers.

Pet birds require a well-balanced diet and adequate exercise in order to remain healthy. Obesity, fatty liver disease, and fatty tumors are among the nutritional disorders that could occur in this species.

Diet and Nutrition

A suitable diet for Latino macaws should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. There should also be some healthy seeds included in the pelleted diet, such as flax, hemp, and chia. It is recommended that you avoid many nut treats because they are high in fat.

Every day, the lutino macaw eats about 80 percent pelleted diet and approximately 20 percent fruits and vegetables.

You may feed it one time in the morning upon waking and another time at dusk before it sleeps. Before going to bed, make sure all uneaten food has been removed.

A variety of fruits are suitable for feeding macaws, such as apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes, oranges, bananas, mangoes, papayas, and berries. The following vegetables are considered healthy: carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and leafy greens.

From Where you can get a Lutino Macaw

It is very rare to find a Lutino Macaw, so they are very expensive. The birds are available for purchase on many websites, including startlinkbreeder.com and birdmanpetstore.com. However, as I already mentioned, they are very expensive. The cost of a lutino macaw can range from $17,000 to $45,000.