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Scarlet Macaw

Ara macao

Least Concern
A magnificent red parrot with striking blue-and-yellow wings that flies through the rainforest canopy like a rainbow, this bold character can often be heard long before it's seen.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Scarlet Macaw is a striking large parrot with vibrant plumage. Its body is primarily bright red, with yellow and blue wing feathers. The upper wings display a band of yellow, followed by blue flight feathers. The tail feathers are blue, and the upper tail coverts are light blue.

Both males and females share the same colouration. Juveniles have similar plumage to adults but with a shorter tail and darker iris. The bird's large, hooked beak is light on top and dark on the bottom.

Size

Length

81cm to 96cm

Wingspan

100cm to 120cm

Weight

900g to 1.5kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Red Yellow Blue

Secondary Colour

Green

Beak Colour

White Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Scarlet Macaw can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Scarlet Macaw is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Scarlet Macaws inhabit tropical rainforests in Central and South America. They range from southern Mexico through Panama and into the Amazon Basin, including parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. These birds prefer lowland forests but can also be found in humid evergreen forests.

They are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories in their tropical habitats. Scarlet Macaws can be seen in zoos and aviaries worldwide.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Scarlet Macaw. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Scarlet Macaw demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in flight through dense rainforest canopy. Their ability to navigate complex three-dimensional environments whilst flying and climbing, combined with their dexterous use of feet and beak for manipulating objects, shows exceptional coordination and manoeuvrability.

Strength 78

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

These large parrots possess impressive strength, particularly in their beaks which can exert 500-700 pounds per square inch of pressure. Their robust build and ability to crack hard nuts and climb with ease demonstrates significant physical power for their size.

Adaptability 82

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Whilst specialised for tropical rainforest environments, Scarlet Macaws show strong adaptive capabilities through their complex social behaviours, tool use, and problem-solving abilities. Their long lifespan of up to 50 years requires considerable adaptability to changing environmental conditions.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Though not typically aggressive, Scarlet Macaws display moderate territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding seasons. They're capable of defending themselves against predators and will protect their nests, but generally maintain peaceful relationships within their social groups.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their ability to fly long distances within their territory, combined with daily foraging activities and a lifespan of up to 50 years, indicates strong endurance. Their large wingspan of 100-120 cm supports sustained flight, whilst their robust physiology enables them to maintain high activity levels throughout the day.

Diet

Scarlet Macaws primarily feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds found in the rainforest canopy. They have a particular fondness for palm nuts, which they crack open with their powerful beaks.

Their diet also includes flowers, leaves, and occasionally insects or small snails.

Behaviour

Scarlet Macaws are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small groups. They are excellent flyers, capable of swift and agile movements through the forest canopy.

These intelligent birds use their strong beaks and dexterous tongues to manipulate food items and climb trees with ease.

Vocalisation

Scarlet Macaws are known for their loud, raucous calls. Their vocalisations include a variety of harsh squawks, screams, and softer chuckling sounds. A typical call might sound like a loud "rrah-rrah-rrah" or "awk-awk."

These vocalisations play a crucial role in communication within flocks and between mated pairs.

Nesting & Breeding

Scarlet Macaws form monogamous pairs that often mate for life. The breeding season varies by region but typically occurs between December and May. These birds nest in tree cavities, often choosing large, dead palm trees or hardwoods.

Females usually lay 2-3 white eggs in the nest cavity. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 24-28 days. The eggs are plain white and roughly the size of a chicken egg.

Chicks are born blind and featherless and require intensive care from both parents. They remain in the nest for about 90 days before fledging. Young macaws stay with their parents for up to a year, learning essential survival skills.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, Scarlet Macaws face threats from habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting their rainforest habitats and establishing captive breeding programs. In some areas, reintroduction projects are helping to restore populations in their former range.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

50,000 - 499,999 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Scarlet Macaws in tropical rainforests, especially near rivers or clearings.
  • Listen for their loud, harsh squawks, which can be heard from a distance.
  • Observe them in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
  • Visit protected areas or eco-lodges in Central and South America for the best chances of spotting them.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Red Macaw

Family:

Psittacidae

Average Lifespan

40 to 50 years [4]

Predators

Main predators of Scarlet Macaws include large raptors such as harpy eagles, as well as monkeys, snakes, and some large cats that can reach their nests.

Did You Know?

  1. Scarlet Macaws can live up to 50 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived parrot species. In captivity, they can live for 75, and sometimes even 90 years.
  2. Their strong beaks can exert a pressure of up to 500-700 pounds per square inch.
  3. Scarlet Macaws play a crucial role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers.

References

  1. 2 3 4

    book, 2006: Robert Arking: Biology of Aging: Observations and Principles. Oxford University Press

  2. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2022. Ara macao. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22685563A163778999.

    View source

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