Scarlet macaw

Ara macao

Photo by Fabián Avellán (Raxa Collective)

Commom name:
scarlet macaw (en); araracanga (pt); ara rouge (fr); guacamaya roja (es); arakanga (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Psittacidae


Range:
This species is found from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and western Brazil.


Size:
The scarlet macaw is 80-96 cm long and has a wingspan of 110-120 cm. They weigh 900-1.500 g.


Habitat:
They are mostly found in lowland rainforest, mangroves and in dry savannas along rivers. They are mostly present from sea level up to an altitude of 900 m.


Diet:
These birds eat a wide range of fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, nectar, bark and leaves.


Breeding:
Scarlet macaws breed in October-May. They nest in large tree cavities, about 20 m above the ground. The female lays 1-4 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 22-28 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 12-15 weeks after hatching, but often remain with the parents until the next breeding season.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and a global population estimated at 20.000-50.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline as a result of habitat loss, hunting for food and feathers, and capture for the pet trade, but the species is not considered threatened at present.