Status: Least Concern
Habitat: Tropical Evergreen Forests of South America
DAK Locale: Oasis
The Scarlet macaw is wide ranging, being found from southern Mexico to the Brazilian Amazon basin. It has suffered locally, through habitat destruction and the pet trade, and is considered extinct in certain parts of its historical range. It is still fairly common in much of its range and is considered not endangered as a species.
The macaw is vibrantly colored. Although scarlet feathers make up most of the body, there is green, blue and yellow colors, as well. Tails on scarlet macaws are larger than most species of parrots. Its skin is white and visible on face. The bill is two toned, pale on top and black on the bottom. In the wild, they can live to be 40 or 50 years. In captivity, they can reach ages in excess of 70 years.
Typically, the birds are seen in pairs, and indeed, they will mate for life. However, in certain parts of their range, large numbers of birds will gather at clay licks. They eat nuts, fruits and seeds. Their large powerful bills are designed crack open especially hard seeds.
They are loud birds, with their calls being heard for miles in the jungle. It is the method of communication in the dense jungles they call home. They are common in the tropical forests and open woodlands in their range.
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