Guacamaya Macao
Scarlet Macaw
Ara macao
Song
Scarlet Macaw
Appearance: Scarlet Macaws are known for their striking plumage. They have a bright red body, with blue on their wings and tail. The upper wing coverts are yellow, and they have a white face with small black feathers around the eyes. They are large parrots measuring 89 cm (35 in) in length, including their long tail feathers. They have a strong, curved beak that is adapted for cracking nuts and seeds.
Habitat: Scarlet Macaws inhabit tropical rainforests, preferring lowland areas and river edges. They are often found in the canopy layer of the forest. They are found in the Amazon Basin and the Pacific lowlands, although their range can extend into other forested regions.
Behavior: Scarlet Macaws are social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups. They may gather in larger flocks at feeding sites or clay licks. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes flowers. They are known to visit clay licks, which provide essential minerals and help neutralize toxins found in some of the seeds they consume. These macaws are vocal birds, using a variety of squawks and screams to communicate with each other.
Breeding: Scarlet Macaws nest in tree cavities, which they line with wood chips. They may also use cliff faces if trees are unavailable. Breeding season varies by region, it often occurs during the dry season. The female lays 1 to 4 eggs, which she incubates for about 24 to 26 days. Both parents are involved in raising the chicks, which fledge about 90 days after hatching.
Conservation status: The IUCN lists the Scarlet Macaw as Least Concern.
Distribution
The Scarlet Macaw is a vibrant and iconic bird species native to Central and South America, including Colombia. Its distribution is concentrated in regions that provide suitable habitat, such as tropical rainforests and humid lowland forests. Here are some key regions where they are found:
Amazon Basin: This region, part of the larger Amazon rainforest, offers extensive and continuous forest cover, which is ideal for the scarlet macaw. The departments of Amazonas, Caquetá, Guaviare, and Vaupés are part of this region.
Orinoco Basin: In the eastern part of the country includes the departments of Meta, Vichada, Casanare, and Arauca that provide good habitats. The savannas and gallery forests here support scarlet macaw populations.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: This isolated mountain range in the northern region have scarlet macaws where they can be also observed, although they are less prevalent here compared to other regions.
Taxonomy
The Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macao)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Ara
- Species: Ara Macao
Vocalization
Communication: Scarlet Macaws use a variety of calls to communicate with each other. These vocalizations can include squawks, screams, and other loud calls. They are social birds and often use these sounds to keep in contact with their flock members, especially when flying.
Territorial Calls: These birds may use vocalizations to establish and defend their territory. Loud calls can serve as a warning to other macaws or potential intruders that a particular area is already occupied.
Mating and Courtship: During mating season, scarlet macaws may use specific calls as part of their courtship rituals. These sounds can help attract mates and facilitate bonding between pairs.
Alarm Calls: When threatened by predators, scarlet macaws will emit loud, harsh calls to alert other members of the flock to danger. This can help the group take evasive action or deter the predator.
Social Interaction: Vocalizations are also used during social interactions within the group. These can include softer calls and sounds that help maintain social bonds and coordinate activities such as foraging.
