Binghamton Zoo Animals

Macaw, Scarlet
Macaw, Blue & Gold

(Ara spp.)
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Ara
Species: Ara spp.

HABITAT AND RANGE:  Macaws are native to Central and South America. Mostly found in rainforests, some species also found in more arid habitats.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Macaws are typically large, brightly colored parrots with long tail feathers. The characteristic that distinguishes macaws from other members of the parrot family is their bare facial areas that vary in size and pattern according to different species. The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) is a large parrot with long tail feathers and mainly blue and yellow in color. The forehead is green; the upper part of the body a brilliant blue; the sides of the neck and body is golden yellow. These macaws also have black around chin and cheeks, and the naked skin of cheeks is pinkish-white with lines of very small, isolated black feathers. The blue and gold macaw has a strongly hooked beak and zygodactylous feet (2 toes that point forward and 2 toes that point backward). The Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macao) is a vivid scarlet, with yellow on upper wings, blending into blue. The rump of the bird is a bright light blue. The tail is a deep shade of blue mixed in with red. Horn upper and black lower bill, greyish feet. The bare facial patch lacks feather stripes, and is a pinkish white.

ADAPTATIONS: Macaws are social birds and typically form strong, monogamous pair bonds. They usually nest in the hollows of trees high off the ground or in the sides of cliffs. Both parents defend their eggs and chicks aggressively. They are often seen flying in large flocks and the bonded pairs fly close together, their wings nearly touching. In the wild, macaws often flock to mountains of clay known as "macaw licks". When disturbed, these bright birds screech loudly and circle overhead with their long tails streaming. Macaws are playful and inquisitive and are able to mimic human vocalizations very well. Macaws are extremely messy eaters - their incredibly strong beaks are perfectly adapted for eating all sorts of nuts and seeds, as seen in their ability to crack open incredibly hard-shelled nuts with ease. Macaws are able to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

DIET: Most macaws feed mainly on seeds, nuts, and fruits. With their powerful, vice-like bills, some macaws are even able to crack open hard-shelled foods such as Brazil nuts.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Incubation time depends on the species, but typically lasts for 26-29 days. Generally, sexual maturity is approximately 2-4 years for most species of macaw. Most macaw females lay 1-3 eggs. Depending on the species, some macaws can live 60-80 years or more.

STATUS IN WILD: Macaws are all protected under international regulations as either an endangered or threatened species. The main natural predator of macaws is the harpy eagle, but humans have caused more devastation to macaw populations. In addition to damage done by rain forest habitat destruction, humans also hunt macaws for their plumage, meat, and for the exotic pet industry.