Animal Profiles
Birds

Macaw

Psittacidae (New World and African parrots)

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Macaws are long-tailed New World parrots. This account describes the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), a bright red, yellow and blue bird that feeds high in tropical forest.

Ara macao (macaw)

Representative species: Ara macao.

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Rainforest
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Fruit, nuts and other plant foods.

Classification

Common name
Macaw
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Psittacidae (New World and African parrots)
Source classification
Aves

Three things to know

  • Its strong bill can open hard nuts.
  • Pairs use cavities in large trees.
  • Long tail feathers form much of its outline.

Habitat and range

Scarlet macaws occur from southern Mexico through Central America into tropical South America. Rainforest canopy and large mature trees provide feeding places and nesting cavities.

Appearance and adaptations

Red plumage covers much of the body, with yellow and blue across the wings and tail. A strong curved bill opens tough food, and pale bare facial areas surround the eyes.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit and nuts form the main diet, with flowers and nectar sometimes taken. Pairs can maintain long bonds and share nest duties. Birds gather with others at night roosts while often travelling as pairs.

Sources

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