Ara macao
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.
Length
81cm to 96cm
Wingspan
100cm to 120cm
Weight
900g to 1.5kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Red Yellow Blue
Secondary Colour
Green
Beak Colour
White Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Tropical
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.
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Share your thoughtsOur 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.
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
book, 2006: Robert Arking: Biology of Aging: Observations and Principles. Oxford University Press
website: BirdLife International. 2022. Ara macao. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22685563A163778999.
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