Scarlet macaw
Ara macao
Scarlet macaw
Ara macao
Introduction
The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is one of the most iconic species of the tropical forests of the Americas, particularly the Amazon. Its vivid red plumage, combined with yellow and blue tones—along with touches of green in one of its subspecies—makes it one of the most recognisable birds in the world.
Beyond its beauty, it plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystem balance, acting as a seed disperser and contributing to the natural regeneration of tropical forests.
WEIGHT
900 — 1,490 g
DIET
Herbivorous (frugivorous–granivorous)
ORIGIN
Central and South America
INCUBATION
24 — 28 days
WEIGHT
900 — 1,490 g
DIET
Herbivorous (frugivorous–granivorous)
ORIGIN
Central and South America
INCUBATION
24 — 28 days
Facts about the scarlet macaw
The scarlet macaw, also known as the red-and-yellow macaw, has predominantly bright red plumage. It is distinguished by yellow feathers with hints of green on the wing coverts, flight feathers that are almost entirely blue, and a red tail with blue tones. Its bare facial area extends around the eye and is white, enhancing its expressive appearance.
It has a large, strong and curved beak, white on the upper part and black on the lower, adapted for cracking hard fruits and seeds. Like other parrots, it has zygodactyl feet, allowing it to grasp food precisely and move agilely through branches. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, although males are usually slightly larger. Younger individuals have shorter tails.
Diet
This species feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, flowers and leaf shoots, although it may occasionally consume insects.
Lifestyle
It is a diurnal and social species that typically moves in pairs or small family groups. It forms long-lasting pair bonds and maintains constant communication through powerful vocalisations, especially in flight.
It travels across large forest areas depending on food availability, making it a key species in the ecological dynamics of tropical ecosystems. Ara macao is capable of covering long distances between feeding and resting sites.
Reproduction
Scarlet macaws form monogamous pairs that may remain together for long periods, often for life. They nest in natural cavities—or those created by other birds—in tall trees, where the female lays between 1 and 4 eggs. The breeding season varies depending on food availability and the rainy season.
The incubation period lasts between 24 and 28 days. Chicks remain in the nest for approximately 3–4 months and stay with their parents for nearly a year, reaching sexual maturity at 3–4 years of age.
Geographic distribution and habitat
The species is distributed from southern Mexico to the Amazon Basin, across Central America and northern South America, although populations are fragmented in parts of its range.
It mainly inhabits lowland tropical forests, gallery forests, riverine forests, savannas and even mangroves. It is closely associated with tropical forest ecosystems where water is present. It is particularly emblematic of the Amazon, where it occupies areas with abundant food and large trees that provide nesting cavities.
In these regions, it is often observed at clay licks or natural clay deposits, where it gathers with other parrots to ingest minerals that help neutralise toxins in its diet.
Threats to the population
Conservation status:
- Population status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
- Population trend: Decreasing
Images of scarlet macaws
Interesting facts about the scarlet macaw
National bird of Honduras
The Ara macao is the national bird of Honduras, symbolising the country’s natural wealth and biodiversity.
Symbol of the Amazon in Peru
It is a symbol of wildlife and conservation in Peru, particularly in areas such as Tambopata.
Dependence on certain palm species
In some regions it depends on species such as the moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa), which it uses for both feeding and nesting.
How we help conserve macaws
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