Scarlet Macaw
NameScarlet Macaw
Common NameScarlet Macaw
Scientific NameAra macao
FamilyPsittacidae
Wingspan (cm)105
Length (cm)86
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsPredominantly brilliant scarlet red, with yellow upperwing coverts and bright blue primary and secondary flight feathers. The rump and tail coverts are also light blue. The long, pointed tail feathers are red with blue tips. They have a bare white facial patch, often with small lines of red feathers, and a pale upper mandible with a dark tip on the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallLoud, raucous squawks, screeches, and guttural calls, often heard as they fly in groups or communicate within the forest canopy.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, humid evergreen forest, gallery forest, open woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from southeastern Mexico through Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) and into South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname).
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Vibrant red, yellow, and blue plumage, Long, pointed tail, Bare white facial patch with red feather lines, Large, pale bill with dark tip
Description
The Scarlet Macaw is a large, vibrant parrot known for its striking red, yellow, and blue plumage. These highly social birds are often seen in pairs or small family groups, flying noisily through the canopy of tropical rainforests. They are intelligent and long-lived, forming strong pair bonds.
