Scarlet Macaw

Least Concern

Ara macao

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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.

Visual Identification

Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet Macaw

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

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 78
Adaptability 82
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 80

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 40 - 50 years [1]
0
13
26
39
52

years

The Scarlet Macaw typically lives for 40 to 50 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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 [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

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

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.

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References

  1. 1 3 4

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

  2. 2

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

    View source