red nares and face

Question
My Scarlet Macaw has red cheeks like he is blushing and his nares turn red too.  It has kind of been like that on and off for the last few weeks.  I don't know if he is just blushing or if he is allergic to something.  It goes away and then comes back.  There is no discharge.  Am I over reacting or could something be wrong?  
Thanks,
Christina

Answer
-- Macaws blush.  As long as you're seeing it return to normal in a matter of minutes, chances are it's perfectly normal.

Try to note the circumstances that you see this happen.  If there's a lot of attention being paid to him, or something exciting is going on, macaws may blush.  

They even blush when they're 'embarrassed' !  A macaw that makes a misstep or mis-flight will often blush


Again though - be sure it's nothing that lasts, that there are no growths, rashes, etc.


See more about macaws and the best way to care for, feed and keep them, plus pics of our girls http://www.4animalcare.org/birds