Class:
Aves
Order:
Psittaciformes
Scientific Name:
Ara macao
Range:
Mexico, Central America, northern South America to Brazil
Habitat:
Humid lowland forests, savannas
Diet:
Wild: Seeds, nuts, fruit, berries
Zoo: Fruit, seeds, monkey chow
Gestation:
Incubation: 25 to 26 days
Litter:
Clutch: 2 to 4 eggs, a little smaller than chicken eggs
Life Span:
40 to 50 years
Description:
The scarlet macaw, sometimes referred to as the red and yellow macaw, is the largest and most brilliantly colored of the Mexican parrots. It is the one so often seen in travel brochures. The sexes look alike. The bird is 31 to 35 inches long. It is brilliant red, with red and gold wings, and two-tone primaries that are blue or blue-green above and red below. The lower back, rump, upper and under tail are light blue. The tail (longer than the body) is red with blue at the tips.
Did You Know?
Wild populations are decreasing due to deforestation and capture for use as cage birds. Although this is an endangered species and molestation of any sort is illegal, thousands continue to be poached each year. Unfortunately, most of these birds never reach responsible owners, as 75% of all smuggled birds die in transport, due to mishandling. The scarlet macaw can mimic the human voice, but not as well as other parrot species. It can make a good pet, but only by responsible owners of captive raised birds.
Where in the Zoo?
I can be found in the following locations at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo:
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