AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ara macao
Scarlet macaw
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large, vibrantly colored parrot with bright red plumage, yellow on the wings, and blue on the tail.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Guacamaya rojaLapa colorada
Scarlet macaw
Arara-vermelhaTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Psittaciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Psittacidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ara
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
80%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Humid tropical lowland forests, savannas, and river edges.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly intelligent and social birds; they fly in pairs or flocks screaming loudly.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Form lifelong pair bonds; often seen in groups of up to 30 individuals.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Feeds on seeds, fruits, nuts, and sometimes clay to neutralize toxins.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Important herbivore for the dispersal of canopy plants.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nest in large tree hollows; lay 2 to 3 eggs incubated by the female.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
81.0 - 96.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
900 g - 1.10 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
36 - 48 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
24 - 28
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males40 - 60 Years
Females40 - 60 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!
Females Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Extremely strong bill capable of cracking very hard nuts.
Zygodactyl feet that allow it to hold food with one foot while supporting itself with the other.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal pet trade and loss of mature nesting trees.
Habitat fragmentation due to agricultural and livestock expansion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are said to become left-handed or right-handed depending on the foot they use to eat.
They consume clay on riverbanks (macaw licks) to neutralize chemical toxins from unripe fruits.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
