Scarlet Macaw

Ara Macao

Scientific Name

Scarlet Macaw:  
Ara Macao

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Scarlet macaws are found in southern Mexico, Central America and South America. They are found throughout the Amazon basin.

Natural Habitat

Scarlet macaws are found high in the canopy of rainforests.

Physical Characteristics

  • Scarlet macaws are brightly colored birds with feathers ranging in color bands from scarlet on their head and shoulders, to yellow on their back and mid wing feathers and blue on the tips andtail feathers. With their strong wings, they can fly up to 35 MPH. The face has short white feathers that surround the light yellow colored eyes. The long thick beak is light on top and dark black on the bottom. The legs and feet are also black. Their length ranges from 32 to 36 inches and weighs around 2 to 2.5 pounds. Large macaws may live up to 70 years in captivity, but in the wild 40-50 years.

Quick Facts

  1. Scarlet Macaws are monogamous, mate for life.

  2. Macaws are able to mimic human vocalizations.

  3. Macaws can live to 50-70 years in captivity

Exhibit

M&T Bank Rainforest Falls

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Scarlet Macaw is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Herbivore

Scarlet macaws and parrots in general, frequently use their left foot in handling food and in grasping other things. The right foot supports their body. Scarlet macaws primarily eat fruits and nuts and will also eat nectar and flowers. They may also eat clay near the river banks to aid in their digestion of premature fruit.