Scarlet macaw (Ara macao)

Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) images taken in Panama in the Azuero area. According to Wikipedia: Its range extends from southeastern Mexico to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela and Brazil in lowlands of 500 m (1,600 ft) (at least formerly) up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft), the Caribbean island of Trinidad, as well as the Pacific island of Coiba and parts of Azuero in Panama.

Scarlet macaws in flight

Scarlet macaws in flight

Scarlet macaw

Scarlet macaws perched

Scarlet Macaw

Scientific Name and Classification

• Scientific Name: Ara macao
• Family: Psittacidae
• Order: Psittaciformes

Description

The Scarlet Macaw is a large and colorful parrot, easily recognized by its bright red, yellow, and blue plumage. The upper parts of the bird are red, transitioning to yellow on the wings and ending with blue flight feathers. Their face is white and bare of feathers, with small black lines of feathers around the eyes. They have a strong, curved beak that is pale on the upper mandible and dark on the lower. Scarlet Macaws typically measure about 81-96 cm (32-38 inches) in length and weigh between 900-1200 grams (2-2.6 pounds).

Habitat

Scarlet Macaws inhabit the humid lowland rainforests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to the Amazon Basin in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and eastern Ecuador. They prefer areas near rivers and are often found in both primary and secondary forests. These birds can also be seen in wooded savannas and along the edges of clearings.

Behavior

• Diet: Their diet primarily consists of a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are known to eat unripe fruits and seeds that are toxic to other animals, as well as clay from riverbanks, which helps neutralize toxins and aid digestion.
• Social Structure: Scarlet Macaws are social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups. During the breeding season, they can form larger flocks. They communicate with loud, raucous calls and engage in mutual preening.
• Breeding: The breeding season varies by region but generally occurs in the early part of the year. They nest in tree cavities, where the female lays 2-4 eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The incubation period lasts about 24-26 days, and the young fledge after approximately 90 days but may stay with their parents for up to a year.

Conservation Status

The Scarlet Macaw is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but certain populations are under threat. The species faces significant threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation, illegal pet trade, and hunting. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, law enforcement to curb illegal trade, and breeding programs.

Interesting Facts

• Long Lifespan: Scarlet Macaws can live up to 40-50 years in the wild and even longer in captivity, sometimes reaching up to 75 years.
• Intelligence: These birds are highly intelligent and capable of learning tricks and mimicking human speech. They have strong problem-solving skills and exhibit complex social behaviors.
• Flight: Scarlet Macaws are powerful fliers and can travel long distances in search of food. They are known for their graceful and acrobatic flight, often seen soaring high above the canopy.

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