Scarlet MaCaw

Scarlet Macaw

Ara macao

Photographed at

Phoenix Zoo, Arizona   Apr 2009

Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida    Mar 2011

It is native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics. Range extends from extreme south-eastern Mexico to Amazonian Peru. It lives in the canopy and emergent layer (the tops of the very highest trees) of the rainforest. These noisy, magnificent birds can fly at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kph), often flying in pairs or small flocks.

The Scarlet Macaw is extremely intelligent and can be a very talented talker. The Scarlet Macaw can live up to 75 years in captivity, although, a more typical lifespan is 40 to 50 years. Scarlet Macaws are popular, but are a high maintenance pet; they are expensive to purchase.

This Macaw nest in holes located high in deciduous trees. Females lay 2 plain white eggs in each clutch. Both parents incubate the eggs. The young stay with the parents for up to 2 years.

Return to MACAWS