Fact File
Order: Psittaciformes (Parrots)
Family: Parrots
Found: South America
Diet: Herbivore (Plant Eater)
Size: 80-96cm
Weight: 900-1490 g
Gestation: 24-28 days
Conservation Status: LC
Scarlet Macaw
Ara macao
Habitat: This macaw inhabits lowland tropical forest and gallery woodland in savanna, often near rivers and in clearings where there are big trees.
Threats: The species is declining throughout its range, as a result of habitat loss, hunting for food and feathers, and capture for the pet trade. Illegal trade still persists, and the species is also a popular pet within its range countries. Illegal poaching of nests is often a major problem, and legislation is not always enforced.
The scarlet macaw has a wide distribution throughout Central and South America, east of the Andes, from Mexico south to Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.
