Scarlet Macaw
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
Ara
SPECIES
Ara macao
Population size
20-50 Thou
Life Span
40-50 years
Top speed
56
35
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
1
2
kglbs
kg lbs 
Length
81
32
cminch
cm inch 

The Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a large Central and South American parrot, a member of a large group of Neotropical parrots called macaws. It is native to humid evergreen forests of the Neotropics. In some areas, it has suffered local extinction, but in other areas, it remains fairly common. Like its relative the Blue-and-yellow macaw, the Scarlet macaw is a popular bird in aviculture as a result of its striking plumage.

Di

Diurnal

Fr

Frugivore

Gr

Granivore

He

Herbivore

Ne

Nectarivore

Ar

Arboreal

Al

Altricial

Ov

Oviparous

Zo

Zoochory

Mo

Monogamy

Fl

Flocking

So

Social

No

Not a migrant

S

starts with

Co

Colorful Animals
(collection)

Appearance

The very colorful scarlet macaw is a large parrot. The plumage is predominantly scarlet, with light blue feathers on tail covert feathers and rump. The longer upper wing coverts are colored yellow, the upper sides of flight feathers on the wings are a dark blue, and so are the ends of their tail feathers. The undersides of the tail flight feathers and wings are dark red with the iridescence of metallic gold. These macaws have bare white skin surrounding their eyes and as far as the beak. Their upper beak is mostly pale, while the lower is black. Males and females look the same, and the only difference between young birds and adults is that the former have dark eyes while the latter have light yellow eyes.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Scarlet macaws are native to the humid evergreen forests of the American tropics in Central and South America, including Mexico in the east, Guatemala, Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Amazonian Peru. They inhabit humid lowland subtropical rainforests, open woodlands, mangrove vegetation, river edges, and savannas.

Scarlet Macaw habitat map

Climate zones

Scarlet Macaw habitat map
Scarlet Macaw
Public Domain Dedication (CC0)

Habits and Lifestyle

Scarlet macaws are diurnal birds that gather in flocks at night. In the morning they will often fly a long distance to find food, flying in small groups or pairs, often calling to each other in hoarse raucous voices. They make nests in tree hollows. If in their nest and danger presents itself, they will cautiously examine the scene until the danger has gone. If their nest is directly threatened, the birds quietly escape to a place of safety. Scarlet macaws often use their left foot when handling food and grasping other objects. They communicate by means of a range of postures and vocalizations.

Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

Scarlet macaws are herbivores. In the wild, these birds like to eat mostly nuts, fruits, and seeds, some large, hard seeds amongst them. Sometimes they are seen eating clay at river banks. They now and again supplement their diet with flowers and nectar. They also love to eat insects and larvae. They are seen feeding heavily on bugs, snails, and foliage.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
year-round
PREGNANCY DURATION
24-25 days
BABY CARRYING
2-4 eggs
INDEPENDENT AGE
1-2 years
FEMALE NAME
hen
MALE NAME
cock
BABY NAME
chick

Scarlet macaws are monogamous and they bond for life. Once they have formed a pair, they are hardly ever seen alone, except to feed while the other bird incubates the eggs. Mates show affection by mutual preening and licking each other's faces. About every one or two years breeding occurs. 2 to 4 rounded, white eggs are laid, and are incubated for around 24 to 25 days. It is mainly the females who incubate the eggs. The young stay with the adults for up to one to two years. Males and females both care for the chicks. The parents do not raise another clutch until the first chicks have become independent. Young Scarlet macaws become reproductively mature by 3 or 4 years of age.

Population

Population threats

The species is declining due to habitat loss, being hunted for feathers and food, and capture for sale as pets. Their habitat is threatened by forest destruction. Poachers will cut down a tree with a macaw nest to get to the young, which limits the number of nesting places and thus the number of chicks raised. Nine out of the sixteen macaw species, including scarlet macaws are listed in Appendix I of CITES and classified as LC, i.e. least concern on IUCN’s Red List.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Scarlet macaw population size is around 20,000-50,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Scarlet macaws are important as seed eaters of large tree fruits. They may have an impact on the generation of species of forest trees.

Domestication

The Scarlet macaw has been bred in captivity for a long time, first at Paquime in Northern Mexico in the 11th century. The Scarlet macaw today is in captivity worldwide, mostly in the Americas. People pose a threat to this species but they can also help their population in that captive techniques developed in the pet trade can have a positive effect on wild populations, as where there are low macaw populations, "extra" chicks that would normally die in the nest can be reared by humans and released back into the wild.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The Scarlet macaw is the national bird of Honduras.
  • Polewood fruit is their favorite food; they roam large areas searching for it.
  • With extremely powerful beaks, the Scarlet macaw can easily crush nuts and seeds to eat. It also uses its beak as a climbing aid and to crunch on branches to keep busy.
  • Scarlet macaws are one of the most intelligent bird species. When in captivity, they are able to mimic words and sounds and learn tricks.
  • Scarlet macaws are also able to distinguish colors and shapes. With the right trainer, some of these birds can even perform simple math problems.
  • Scarlet macaws are said to have the intelligence of a 4-8-year-old child with the emotional intelligence of a 2-year-old. This means that they can be demanding and cranky and even throw temper tantrums if not given proper attention.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Scarlet Macaw Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_macaw
2. Scarlet Macaw on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22685563/0
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/702973
4. Video creator - https://avibirds.com

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