Where does the Scarlet Macaw live?
Ara macao
Spotted a bird? Identify it instantly with the Birdby app
Open the appThe Scarlet Macaw lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, gallery forests, and forest edges.
Geographic range
From southeastern Mexico (southern Veracruz and Oaxaca) through Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) and into South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil). There are disjunct populations, particularly in the Amazon basin.
Preferred environments
Tall, mature evergreen rainforests, often near rivers or clearings. They require large trees for nesting and roosting, and a diverse array of fruiting and flowering trees for foraging.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 500 meters (1,640 feet), occasionally up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
Where to look
National Parks and Reserves
Manuel Antonio National Park (Costa Rica), Corcovado National Park (Costa Rica), Carara National Park (Costa Rica), Tambopata National Reserve (Peru), Pantanal (Brazil/Bolivia), Tikal National Park (Guatemala).
Riverine Forests
Areas along major rivers in the Amazon and other tropical regions, as they often forage and roost near water sources.
Clay Licks (Collpas)
Specific clay licks in the Amazon basin (e.g., Tambopata, Peru) where macaws gather in large numbers to consume mineral-rich clay, especially in the early morning.
Forest Edges and Clearings
While preferring dense forest, they can often be seen flying over or foraging at the edges of forests, particularly where fruiting trees are abundant.
Field tips
- Listen for Calls. Their loud, distinctive calls often announce their presence long before they are seen. Follow the sound to locate them.
- Look Up. Scarlet Macaws often fly high overhead, especially when traveling between roosting and feeding sites. Scan the sky, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Visit Clay Licks. If in areas with known clay licks, visit at dawn. This offers an unparalleled opportunity to see large numbers of macaws, including Scarlet Macaws, at close range.
- Observe Fruiting Trees. They are attracted to fruiting trees. If you know of specific trees in season, stake them out. They can be surprisingly camouflaged despite their bright colors when feeding in dense foliage.
- Binoculars and Scope. Essential for detailed observation, especially for distinguishing facial features and wing patterns from similar species.
Migration
Resident throughout its range; does not undertake long-distance migrations. May make local movements in response to food availability.
Explore the Scarlet Macaw
Identify birds anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo & sound identification, full species database, and your personal life list.