How long does a Parrot (Macaw) live?
A parrot (macaw) lives 50 years on average (maximum recorded: 104 years). They reach maturity at 5 years.
Lifespan Overview
Average Lifespan
50 years
Maximum Recorded
104 years
Maturity Age
5 years
Human Year Ratio
1:1.5
Large parrots live 40-80+ years — often outliving their owners. A macaw purchased at age 20 may need to be included in your will. They reach maturity at 3-5 years.
Parrot (Macaw) Age → Human Age Converter
≈ 38 human years
Developmental Stages
Human equivalent: 0-5 years
Hatches blind and featherless. Fledges at 3-4 months.
Human equivalent: 5-15 years
Learning to fly, forage, and socialize. Playful and curious.
Human equivalent: 15-30 years
Sexually mature. Pair bonding. Full adult plumage.
Human equivalent: 30-60 years
Peak intelligence and vocabulary (for captive birds). Breeding years.
Human equivalent: 60-90+ years
Still active and vocal. Arthritis possible. May outlive multiple owners.
Fun Fact
Cookie, a Major Mitchell's cockatoo at Brookfield Zoo, lived to 83. Charlie, a blue-and-gold macaw allegedly owned by Winston Churchill, is claimed to be 104+ (though this is disputed).