Birds
Scarlet macaw
Ara macao
The scarlet macaw is one of the largest and most striking parrots in the world, with vivid red plumage, yellow-and-blue wings and a long tail. It flies in pairs or small noisy groups above the forest canopy.
In short
The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a species with IUCN conservation status LC (Least concern). It inhabits lowland rainforest and riverine woodland, nesting in the cavities of large trees. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the scarlet macaw live?
It inhabits lowland rainforest and riverine woodland, nesting in the cavities of large trees. It feeds on fruit, seeds and nuts, and visits clay licks for minerals. It forms stable, lifelong pairs.
Is the scarlet macaw endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Least Concern (LC) globally, but with a decreasing population: capture for the pet trade and forest destruction have wiped the species out of many areas.
Facts about the scarlet macaw
- It forms pairs that stay together for life.
- It visits clay banks to supplement its diet with minerals.
- Its harsh call carries a long way through the forest.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Ara macao (Least Concern) · BirdLife International
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.