# Scarlet Macaw (*Ara macao*)

> The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a large Neotropical parrot with brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage and a powerful beak for cracking hard nuts. It lives in humid forests from southern Mexico through Central America into Amazonia, weighs about 1 kg, and is listed Least Concern overall, though some regional populations are depleted by trapping and deforestation.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Humid forests from southern Mexico through Central America into Amazonia.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/macaw/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Psittaciformes
- **Family:** Psittacidae
- **Genus:** Ara

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Ara macao |
| Diet | Herbivore (fruits, nuts, seeds) |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest canopy and river-edge forest |
| Lifespan | Around 40 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 1 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 55 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Rainbow canopy parrot

Scarlet macaws are among the most recognisable New World parrots: long graduated tails, bare white facial skin with fine feather lines, and a heavy hooked bill. Pairs often fly together calling loudly above the canopy.

## Nuts, seeds, and clay licks

They crack palm nuts and other hard fruits and seeds that defeat softer-billed birds. In parts of Amazonia and Central America they visit riverbank clay licks, possibly to obtain minerals or bind plant toxins.

## Mexico to Amazonia

Humid rainforest canopy and river-edge forest from southern Mexico through Central America into the Amazon basin. They need large fruiting trees and nest cavities in tall snags.

## Local declines despite global LC

Globally Least Concern, yet pet trade and forest clearing have erased or thinned birds from parts of Central America. Protected areas and nest-box programmes support recovering flocks in places such as Costa Rica and Peru.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why do scarlet macaws eat clay?

At riverside clay licks they may gain minerals and help neutralise toxins in unripe seeds and fruits.

### How long do scarlet macaws live?

Decades are typical; well-cared-for birds can approach 40–50 years. Native range summary: Humid forests from southern Mexico through Central America into Amazonia.

### Are scarlet macaws endangered?

The species is Least Concern globally, but several regional populations remain threatened by trapping and habitat loss.

### What do scarlet macaws eat?

Hard fruits, nuts, seeds, and some flowers and leaf buds from rainforest trees — especially palms and other canopy species.

### Where do scarlet macaws nest?

In high tree cavities, often in dead or living emergent trees above the main canopy.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/macaw/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.