Scarlet Macaw

Identification

The scarlet macaw is a large parrot, approximately 84 centimeters (33 inches) long, with more than half of that length comprising its distinctive pointed, graduated tail. The Central American subspecies is slightly larger at around 89 cm (35 inches). Adults weigh roughly 1 kilogram (2 lb 3 oz). The plumage is predominantly scarlet red, with the rump and tail-covert feathers displaying light blue, greater upper wing coverts in yellow, and dark blue on the upper sides of flight feathers. The undersides of wing and tail flight feathers are dark red with striking metallic gold iridescence. A distinctive bare white facial patch surrounds the eye, extending toward the bill, with tiny white feathers on the face. The upper mandible is pale horn-colored while the lower is black. Juveniles possess dark eyes, while adults have distinctive light yellow eyes. The scarlet macaw is sometimes confused with the slightly larger green-winged macaw, which has more prominent red facial lines and lacks yellow in the wings.

Range & Habitat

Native to humid evergreen forests throughout the Neotropics, the scarlet macaw's range extends from southeastern Mexico through Central America to South America, including Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Honduras, and Brazil. The species also inhabits the Caribbean island of Trinidad and the Pacific island of Coiba. These parrots occupy lowland forests from approximately 500 meters (1,600 feet) up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) in elevation. Historically, their range extended further north into southern Tamaulipas. While the species remains fairly common in some areas, it has suffered local extinction in regions affected by habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade.

Behaviour & Diet

Scarlet macaws are highly arboreal, spending nearly all their time high in the forest canopy, typically more than 10 meters above the ground, where they remain relatively safe from predators and close to their primary food sources. Typical sightings involve single birds or pairs flying above the canopy, though flocks can occasionally be observed. They are known to gather at clay licks and communicate through extraordinarily loud, high and low-pitched throaty squawks, squeaks, and screams that can carry for many kilometers. Captive macaws demonstrate remarkable vocal abilities, readily mimicking human speech.

In the wild, scarlet macaws feed primarily on fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and nectar. Seeds from Cnidoscolus and Schizolobium species appear to be essential protein sources for nestling macaws. While smaller parrot species occasionally consume insects, larvae, and snails, this behavior is rare in macaws and represents a negligible dietary component. In some regions, such as Costa Rica's Central Pacific, populations have adapted to feed on introduced teak and almond beach trees, and conservation efforts involving the planting of these trees have helped increase local populations substantially.

Best Time & Places to See It

Scarlet macaws are most reliably observed in humid evergreen forest habitats throughout their range, particularly in protected areas and regions with active conservation efforts. Costa Rica's Central Pacific, particularly around the Tárcoles River basin and its mangrove ecosystems, offers excellent viewing opportunities, especially where ecotourism initiatives support both bird populations and habitat protection. Early morning hours are typically most productive for observation, as macaws feed and vocalize more actively during cooler temperatures. The species' loud vocalizations often provide the first indication of their presence, even when visual sightings prove difficult in the dense forest canopy.

Photography Tips

The scarlet macaw's vibrant plumage—brilliant scarlet, yellow, blue, and green—offers exceptional photographic opportunities, though capturing sharp images requires patience and appropriate equipment. Since macaws spend most of their time high in the forest canopy, often more than 10 meters above ground, a telephoto lens is essential for frame-filling shots. Early morning light enhances the metallic iridescence of the wing and tail undersides, creating dramatic color rendition. Photograph birds in flight against clear skies to emphasize their spectacular red and blue coloration and distinctive silhouette. Patient positioning near clay licks or fruiting trees increases encounter probability. The bare white facial patch and light yellow eyes of adults provide excellent compositional focal points, distinguishing them clearly from juveniles and creating striking portrait opportunities.