What kind of bird is the Scarlet Macaw? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Speaking of parrots, they are very popular as pets. They are a large parrot found in Central America, mostly living in trees, and have very distinctive colorful patterns.
What is a Scarlet Macaw? Basic Stats
The Buffon’s Macaw is a bird belonging to the Psittacidae family of parrots. Its English name is “Buffon’s Macaw” and its scientific name is Ara ambigus. Its total length is 85-90cm, its wingspan is 110-125cm, and its weight is 1.0-1.3kg. A list of information is below. For more information on Scarlet Macaws in general, please see the following article.
| Japanese（和名） | ヒワコンゴウインコ |
| English（英名） | Buffon’s Macaw |
| scientific name(学名) | Ara ambigus |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Psittaciformes、 Psittacidae 鳥綱、オウム目、インコ科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 85～90cm |
| Weight（体重） | 1.0～1.3kg |
Habitat
The Scarlet Macaw is found in Central America, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, and Panama.
Scarlet Macaw Habitat
- Distribution
Mainly South American tropical rainforests
Northern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina
Prefers forests in the Amazon River basin and around major rivers
- Habitat
Tropical rainforests, semi-open forests, and forests along rivers
Often lives in the tree canopy (the upper part of the tree), preferring environments rich in fruit and seeds
Can also be seen in open forests and around agricultural fields
- Group Life
Live in small to medium-sized groups
Form groups around fruit- and nut-bearing trees
Build nests in tree cavities or tall trees
- Environmental Characteristics
Hot and humid tropical environments
Areas with abundant food resources and abundant fruit and seeds
The presence of large trees suitable for nesting is a habitat requirement
What are its characteristics? What is it like?
The Scarlet Macaw is a beautiful bird with a yellow-green or green color all over its body, and boasts a long lifespan. Its tail feathers are light blue with a red band, it has a large hooked beak, and is black in color. It is well known for its large body and long tail feathers among parrots. This parrot lives in forest areas from lowlands to mountainous areas, and is known as a resident bird in its distribution area.
Characteristics of the Scarlet Macaw
- Body Size
Total Length: Approximately 90-95cm (including tail feathers)
Weight: Approximately 1-1.5kg
Especially large among the large parrots of the Ara genus
- Body Structure and Color
Feather Color:
Bright green on the back and wings
Red chest
Blue and yellow hues on the wingtips and tail feathers
Beak: Sturdy and black, adapted for cracking hard nuts and seeds
Eyes: Yellow with excellent vision and a high level of vigilance
Feet: Gray with two toes (forward and backward) (adapted for grasping)
- Behavior and Personality
Highly intelligent and sociable
Loud and vocal, emitting a variety of sounds and vocalizations
Live in groups and prioritize communication with peers
Affectionate even in captivity, able to interact with humans
- Diet
Eats mainly fruits, nuts, and seeds
Its powerful beak can crack even hard nuts and seeds
Depends on the food resources of the rainforest
- Flight Ability
Large wings allow it to fly long distances and make quick turns
It navigates skillfully through the trees to search for food
What is its personality like?
Many Scarlet Macaws are cheerful and docile. They also tend to be very good at communication because they talk a lot. They are intelligent and have a gentle personality, so they are characterized by being very tame. They do not form large flocks, and prefer to be alone.
Scarlet Macaw Personality
- Sociability
Living in groups, they are very sociable.
They value communication with their peers.
Even in captivity, they enjoy interacting with humans and other birds.
- Intelligence and Learning Ability
Highly intelligent
Capable of instrumental behavior, such as creatively retrieving food.
Can also learn words and sounds.
They have a strong desire to learn and enjoy play and exploration.
- Vigilance
Very cautious in the wild.
They protect themselves from predators by living in safe spaces such as groups or forests.
Even in captivity, they may initially be wary of humans.
- Playfulness and Curiosity
They play with their hands and beaks when handling fruit and nuts.
They prefer to play with tree branches and toys.
They often play in response to calls and sounds.
- Calmness Due to Longevity
They can live for over 50 years in the wild, and become calmer as they become adults.
They are active and curious as young birds, and often play and explore.
What is its ecology?
Scarlet Macaws mainly live on fruits, seeds, and insects. They are oviparous, and the breeding season varies depending on the region. They lay about two eggs in a cavity near the crown of a large tree. The chicks become independent at about 18 to 20 weeks. They are said to live for over 100 years, but in reality, most live for around 50 years.
Scarlet Macaw Biology
- Living Environment
Live primarily in South American tropical rainforests
They often live in the canopy (the upper part of the tree), preferring environments rich in fruit and seeds.
They can also be found in open forests and around agricultural fields.
- Flock Life
Live in small to medium-sized flocks
They form flocks around fruit- and nut-bearing trees and emphasize communication with their companions.
They fly and rest in flocks to protect themselves from predators.
- Diet
Eat primarily fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Their powerful beaks allow them to crack even hard nuts and seeds.
They also occasionally consume leaves, flowers, and insects.
They forage while moving through the forest in search of food.
- Breeding
Breeding seasons are primarily around the dry and rainy seasons.
Nests are built in tree cavities or tall tree branches.
Number of eggs: 2-3 eggs are common.
Both parents take turns incubating and feeding the eggs.
Chicks leave the nest approximately 3 months after hatching and become independent after a few more months.
- Flight Ability
Large wings enable long-distance flight
They skillfully navigate between trees to find food and water
They fly in flocks to protect themselves from predators
- Intelligence and Sociality
They are highly intelligent, capable of instrumental behavior and learning
They learn social hierarchy and communication within the flock
They actively play and learn even in captivity
Do they have any natural predators?
The Scarlet Macaw is a very large bird, so it doesn’t have many natural predators. However, the chicks are targeted and eaten by peregrine falcons and condors.
About Scarlet Macaw Chicks
This article provides a detailed summary of Scarlet Macaw (Ara chloropterus) chicks.
Characteristics of Scarlet Macaw Chicks
- Birth
Number of Eggs: 2-3 are common
Incubation Period: Approximately 28-30 days
Hatched chicks are nearly hairless and born with their eyes closed.
They are only a few centimeters long and are very weak, requiring the care of their parents.
- Growth and Development
Eye Opening: Approximately 10-14 days after hatching
Feather Development: Initially, they have thin feathers → Within a few weeks, body feathers and wing feathers for flight appear.
Feeding: Parent birds feed them with their beaks.
Initially, they are fed a paste of softened fruit or nuts.
Fledgeling: They leave the nest approximately three months after hatching.
After leaving the nest, they spend several more weeks foraging and practicing flight near their parents before becoming independent.
- Behavior/Personality
Immediately after hatching, they stay still in the nest, waiting for their parents to feed them.
They develop their physical strength, flight, and foraging abilities while playing with their siblings.
As they grow, they begin moving between branches outside the nest and practicing flight.
- Parent-Child Relationship
Both parents take turns incubating, feeding, and watching over the nest.
Parents provide close care for the chicks until they are able to forage for themselves.
Parent-child bonding and learning in the group are important for chick survival.
Is the Scarlet Macaw an endangered species?
Unfortunately, the Scarlet Macaw is designated as an endangered species. The main causes are deforestation due to development, hunting, and over-hunting as pets. Conservation efforts are being carried out in each country in the range of the species, and efforts are being made to restore the population.
Conservation Status
Scientific Name: Ara chloropterus
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Global populations are stable and the risk of extinction is low.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II
International trade is permitted only under controlled conditions.
Unauthorized capture and export of wild specimens is illegal.
Conservation Considerations
Due to the destruction of tropical rainforests and deforestation in their habitat, there is a risk of local population decline.
Captivity for pets and poaching are also problems and are regulated internationally.
Due to their long lifespan (some living over 50 years) and low reproductive rate, maintaining their populations will take time.
Can Scarlet Macaws be kept as pets?
Scarlet Macaws are designated as endangered species, so they cannot be kept as pets. They are rarely sold on the market, and cannot be priced. Therefore, they are extremely difficult to obtain. Information is available at zoo events, etc., once you enter the zoo. Visit the site map to see how this animal is handled within the zoo. Check the event information from the top based on the calendar.
- Laws and Regulations
Listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), international trade of wild specimens is restricted.
Pet keeping is limited to legally imported or bred specimens.
Unauthorized capture and sale of wild specimens is illegal.
- Conditions for Care
(1) Cage and Flight Space
Because they are large parrots, they require a very large cage and flight space.
A cage alone can lead to poor health due to lack of exercise and stress.
(2) Diet
Feeding mainly fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Nutritionally balanced pellets and fresh fruit are necessary.
Durable food bowls and safe materials are essential because they use their powerful beaks to break up food.
(3) Intelligence and Social Skills
Highly intelligent and require play and learning.
Lack of daily play and communication can lead to stress and problem behaviors (feather plucking, frequent screaming).
(4) Noise
They are loud and can sing for long periods of time.
Caution is advised in urban areas and apartment complexes.
(5) Lifespan
They can live for over 50 years in the wild, so captivity requires long-term commitment.
- Personality and Care Tips
They are sociable and affectionate, but can be wary and take time to warm to.
Emphasis on play and learning will help them build a trusting relationship with their owners.
They become calmer as they grow older, but are active and require a lot of care as young birds.
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