Exotic bird meat is a valuable resource in Red Dead Online that can be used to craft special tonics, provisions, and baits. However, exotic birds are elusive creatures that can be difficult to locate. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about finding exotic bird meat in Red Dead Online.
What is Exotic Bird Meat?
Exotic bird meat refers to meat obtained from hunting rare and colorful bird species that are not commonly found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. Examples of exotic birds include macaws, cockatoos, toucans, parrots, and orioles. These birds stand out for their vibrant plumage and can be found dwelling in remote regions of the map.
When skinned, these exotic birds provide game meat that can be used to craft special tonics, provisions, and bait recipes. For instance, exotic bird meat is a key ingredient needed to make Special Snake Oil, Special Miracle Tonic, and Potent Predator Bait. These valuable items provide short-term boosts and benefits that can give you an edge in combat and hunting situations.
Where to Find Exotic Birds in Red Dead Online
Exotic birds spawn in very specific locations throughout the Red Dead Online open world. Here are some of the best places to find them:
Southern Lemoyne
The bayou regions of Lemoyne are home to vibrant tropical bird species like macaws, toucans, and parrots. Focus your search around Lagras, Bluewater Marsh, and Stillwater Creek. Scan the trees and riverbanks to spot birds perched high up or flying overhead.
Cuba
The island of Guarma hosts an array of exotic bird types not found on the mainland. Visiting Guarma during the Red Dead Online mission “A Tale of Two Islands” provides opportunities to collect macaw, toucan, parrot, and songbird exotic meat.
Northern New Austin
The hot desert scrublands of Hennigan’s Stead and Rio Bravo are populated by brilliantly colored songbirds like orioles, robins, song sparrows, and red-winged blackbirds. Check around justified streams and oases.
Roanoke Ridge
The dense humid forests of Roanoke Ridge attract an interesting range of exotic birds like the red-breasted Robin and rainbow colored songbirds. Focus your efforts near the Kamassa River and Stillwater Creek.
What Types of Exotic Birds to Hunt
Here are some of the specific exotic bird species that provide rare plumes and meat:
Bird Name | Locations |
---|---|
Red Macaw | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Great Green Macaw | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Scarlet Macaw | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Blue and Yellow Macaw | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Keel-Billed Toucan | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Channel-Billed Toucan | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Song Parrot | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Green Parrot | Lemoyne, Guarma |
Scarlet Tanager | Roanoke Ridge |
Oriole | New Austin |
Robin | Roanoke Ridge |
Songbird | New Austin, Lemoyne |
Using a Bow for Clean Kills
To obtain perfect carcasses and avoid damaging the valuable plumes, exotic birds are best hunted using the small game arrow with a bow. This will drop the birds cleanly without blasting away feathers and meat. The small game arrow is specifically designed for hunting little animals and birds.
When aiming, compensate for the arcing trajectory of the arrow by pointing slightly above your target. With practice, you’ll be able to land one-hit-kills consistently. Rifles, repeaters, and shotguns should be avoided as these weapons will mangle exotic birds.
Finding Perched Exotic Birds
A common hunting tactic for exotic birds is to search for them perched up high in trees. Equip your bow and use binoculars to carefully scan the tree canopies in areas exotic birds are known to populate. Take your time and be patient – exotic birds tend to spawn sporadically.
Once spotted, approach cautiously while crouched to avoid spooking the bird. Move into an optimal firing position and line up your shot. Drawing the bow back fully and taking a breath before releasing generally improves accuracy. Check your minimap for yellow bird icons as you explore to locate perched exotic birds more easily.
Tracking Flying Exotic Birds
Exotic birds will regularly take flight and move between perches and roosts. Keep an eye out for macaws, toucans, and parrots soaring overhead and take them down in mid-flight with your bow. Lead your shots to compensate for their movement and speed.
As you travel between locations on horseback, listen intently for loud squawking noises and scan the skies for exotic birds on the move. Their bright plumage makes them easy to spot. Pursue and continue to track them as they land. The small game arrow is still effective and can penetrate their thin hollow bones while airborne.
Using Bird Bait
One good strategy for bringing exotic birds within hunting range is to use bird bait like bird feathers. This can draw nearby birds out of the trees and bushes for easy bow kills. Simply place the bait in an open area and retreat to a hidden covered position 50-100 feet away.
Equip your bow and wait patiently for 10-15 minutes. The bait smells and visual appeal will eventually attract curious exotic birds looking for food. You may need to try a few different bait locations to find a productive ambush spot.
Legendary Animal Mission Birds
Certain Legendary Animal missions provided by Harriet will take you into exotic bird habitats. For example, tracking the Mud Runner Legendary Boar brings you to Bluewater Marsh where you’ll encounter macaws. Completing these missions naturally leads to exotic bird hunting opportunities.
Similarly, rescued live animal poaching victims that you deliver to Harriet are sometimes colorful rare bird species. You can take down another specimen after the rescue and donation process is complete.
Using Dead Eye
Utilizing Dead Eye shooting is extremely helpful for clean bow kills on fast moving exotic birds. When activated, time slows down significantly allowing you to precisely mark shot locations. Paint where you want the small game arrow to hit the bird’s torso for a quick ethical kill.
Dead Eye also highlights vital organs on highlighted animals. Aim for the large glowing zones when hunting exotic birds to maximize critical damage. As an ability, Dead Eye relies on consumables to restore the meter – make sure to stock up before going bird hunting.
Cooking Exotic Bird Meat
To make the most of your hard-earned exotic bird meat, cook it at your campfire. This increases the potency and duration of the buffs provided by special consumables crafted with the ingredients. Spice up standard campfire recipes by swapping in exotic bird meat.
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Storage and Use Tips
Raw exotic bird meat will eventually decay and disappear if left in your inventory too long. To get the most value, use it to craft tonics, provisions, and bait as soon as possible after obtaining it.
Store unused exotic bird meat in your hunting wagon or donate it to Cripps at camp to keep it from going bad prematurely. Cooked exotic bird meat also lasts longer than raw meat. Take what you need and offload the excess.
Selling Exotic Feathers
In addition to providing rare meat, perfect carcasses of exotic birds will yield special colorful feathers that can be sold. Macaw, toucan, parrot, and songbird feathers fetch high prices at the butcher or trade post. Sell unneeded feathers for another source of funds.
Achievements and Awards
Hunting exotic birds contributes to several achievement categories. Skinning exotic bird species counts towards the Field Guide and Skin Deep trophies. Donating carcasses to Cripps helps complete the Zoologist and No Habit to Kick awards.
Bird Egg Locations
Besides meat and feathers, completing bird egg collections is another activity associated with hunting exotic birds. Many rare colored eggs can be found at exotic bird nesting sites. Search thoroughly when exploring exotic bird areas.
Tree hollows often contain small bird eggs and nests. Climbable rocky cliffs and hillsides are also egg laying spots. Listen for nesting bird calls to discover rare egg spawns. Complete egg sets are especially valuable when sold.
Conclusion
Tracking down exotic birds in Red Dead Online requires patience and dedication, but brings rich rewards. Their vibrant plumes and valuable meat make the effort worthwhile. Utilize bows for clean hunting, watch the skies for flyers, and check wilderness areas exotic birds are known to inhabit.
Implement bait, Dead Eye, and stealth ambush tactics to improve your exotic bird hunting success. Properly store and cook the meat and sell surplus feathers for profit. With the knowledge provided here, you’ll be mastering rare bird hunting in no time.