Ara macao (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Name and Total Length

Ara macao, commonly called the scarlet macaw, measures approximately 84 centimeters (33 inches) in total length.

Tail Characteristics

More than half of this length consists of the pointed, graduated tail that is characteristic of all macaws, and the scarlet macaw has a larger proportion of its total length made up by the tail than other large macaw species.

Average Weight

Its average weight is around 1 kilogram, equal to 2 pounds 3 ounces.

Plumage Coloration

Most of its plumage is scarlet, but its rump and tail-covert feathers are light blue, its greater upper wing coverts are yellow, the upper sides of the wing flight feathers and the tips of the tail feathers are dark blue, and the undersides of the wing and tail flight feathers are dark red with metallic gold iridescence.

Wing Plumage Variation

Some individual scarlet macaws may have green patches on their wings.

Central American Subspecies Size

The Central American subspecies is larger, with an average length of 89 centimeters (35 inches).

Facial Skin Characteristics

Bare white skin extends from around the eye to the bill, and the bare facial patch holds tiny white feathers.

Bill Coloration

The upper mandible is mostly pale horn-colored, while the lower mandible is black.

Eye Color by Age

Juvenile scarlet macaws have dark eyes, and adult scarlet macaws have light yellow eyes.

Similar Species Distinction

This species is frequently mistaken for the slightly larger green-winged macaw, which has more prominent red lines on its face and no yellow coloring on its wings.

Vocalization Types

Scarlet macaws produce very loud vocalizations, including high and sometimes low-pitched throaty squawks, squeaks, and screams.

Vocalization Function

These calls can travel many kilometers to communicate with other members of their group.

Captive Lifespan

In captivity, scarlet macaws can live up to 75 or even 90 years, though a more typical captive lifespan ranges from 40 to 50 years.

Native Habitat Types

The scarlet macaw primarily lives in humid lowland subtropical rain forests, open woodlands, river edges, and savannas.

Mineral Lick Visitation

In some regions, scarlet macaws periodically visit natural mineral deposits called licks, which are typically rich in clay and sediment.

Geophagy Purpose

The macaws eat this material to aid digestion and obtain essential nutrients including sodium and calcium.

South American Native Range

The species has an extensive native range across South America, covering most of the Amazon basin and the rainforest of the northern half of the continent, extending as far south as Peru east of the Andes, and Bolivia.

Bolivian Population Location

In northeastern Bolivia's Beni Department, near Riberalta, the capital of the Bolivian Amazon region, it is quite common in the Aquicuana Reserve.

Central American Native Range

In southern North America and Central America, the species' range extends from the Yucatán Peninsula in extreme southeastern Mexico and Belize, and southward through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and also includes the island of Coiba.

Southern Central America Distribution

The species is rarely seen on mainland Panama, but it occurs in isolated regions along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, mainly near the Nicoya Peninsula, Carara National Park, and the Osa Peninsula.

Florida Introduced Origin

In Florida, United States, scarlet macaws have escaped captivity multiple times throughout history, either accidentally due to hurricanes or other severe weather, or through deliberate release by humans.

Florida Population Status

There is no evidence that this non-native population is established and breeding, and it likely only persists due to ongoing new releases or escapes.

Florida Population Sustenance

These non-native birds are probably sustained by intentional feeding from local residents who enjoy having them visit their yards.

Puerto Rico Introduction Status

The species is also an introduced species in Puerto Rico.

Cumbria Introduced Population

A small introduced population exists in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, after being introduced to the area around 2010.

Cumbria Population Characteristics

This population includes a number of related blue-and-yellow macaws, and the birds are trained to fly freely around the area, returning to a local conservation centre for food and shelter each evening.