Ara macao
Photo by Fabián Avellán (Raxa Collective) |
Commom name:
scarlet macaw (en); araracanga (pt); ara rouge (fr); guacamaya roja (es); arakanga (de)
Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Psittacidae
Range:
This species is found from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and western Brazil.
Size:
The scarlet macaw is 80-96 cm long and has a wingspan of 110-120 cm. They weigh 900-1.500 g.
Habitat:
They are mostly found in lowland rainforest, mangroves and in dry savannas along rivers. They are mostly present from sea level up to an altitude of 900 m.
Diet:
These birds eat a wide range of fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, nectar, bark and leaves.
Breeding:
Scarlet macaws breed in October-May. They nest in large tree cavities, about 20 m above the ground. The female lays 1-4 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 22-28 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 12-15 weeks after hatching, but often remain with the parents until the next breeding season.
Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and a global population estimated at 20.000-50.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline as a result of habitat loss, hunting for food and feathers, and capture for the pet trade, but the species is not considered threatened at present.
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