Scarlet Macaw

 

(Ara Macao)

 

Scarlet macaws are diurnal birds that gather in flocks at night. In the morning they will often fly a long distance to find food, flying in small groups or pairs, often calling to each other in hoarse raucous voices. They make nests in tree hollows. If danger presents itself, they will cautiously examine the scene until the danger has gone. If their nest is directly threatened, the birds quietly escape to a place of safety.

Scarlet macaws are monogamous and they bond for life. Once they have formed a pair, they are hardly ever seen alone.

Fun Facts

• The Scarlet macaw is the national bird of Honduras.
• With extremely powerful beaks, the Scarlet macaw can easily crush nuts and seeds to eat. It also uses its beak as a climbing aid and to crunch on branches to keep busy.

Conservation Efforts

• The species is declining due to habitat loss, being hunted for feathers and food, and captured for sale as pets. Their habitat is threatened by forest destruction. 
• Poachers will cut down a tree with a macaw nest to get to the young, which limits the number of nesting places and thus the number of chicks raised. 
• Nine out of the sixteen macaw species, including scarlet macaws are listed in Appendix I of CITES and classified as LC, i.e. least concern on IUCN’s Red List.