Fun Facts!

As a pet, the scarlet macaw needs a great deal of attention and care. If you are considering one as a pet, keep in mind they are expensive to purchase, adopt, or maintain. They are demanding, and can be very noisy. They are, however, prized for their beautiful plumage and can be very affectionate with their owners. They are considered an intelligent species.

The Scarlet Macaw is the national bird of Honduras.

Scarlet Macaw

Ara macao

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The scarlet macaw is a colorful parrot ranging up to three feet in length and weighing a little over two pounds. Its upper beak is tan and lower beak is black. More than half its length is its pointed tail. Plumage is mostly scarlet but the rump and tail feather ends are lighter blue. Upper wing covered areas are yellow and the upper sides of its flying wing feathers are a dark blue. Tail feathers are also blue with the flight feathers an iridescent gold metallic color with dark red highlights.

HABITAT

Its range extends from extreme southeastern Mexico to Panama, Guatemala and Belize, through Amazonian Peru and Brazil, in lowlands up to 1,000 m (3,900 ft).

DIET IN THE WILD

Fruits and nuts, including large, hard seeds. They love apples, bananas and nuts.

BEHAVIOR

They can make loud, low-pitched screams from the throat that can be heard for miles.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Monkeys, toucans, snakes and other large mammals are predators; deforestation and land stripping threaten habitats. Ara macao is found in large numbers and they seem to reproduce easily, so the species has been placed in the “least concern” category.

LIFE SPAN

Typically lives 35-50 years in the wild. Known to live up to 75 years in captivity.