Known also as "Ara Macao", the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most colored ones of the Parrot family which makes them unmistakable when spotted. They inhabit from México to central South America (Perú, Bolivia and East Brazil) and is the only macaw present on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

   In the 1900s, Scarlet Macaws where abundant throughout Caribbean and Pacific lowlands, in the 1950's gone from the entire Caribbean slope except in the North West. At present time, they are reduced to a few pairs in Guanacaste, but larger populations still inhabit the Carara area as well as the Osa Peninsula. This beautiful bird is now considered to be an endangered species.

   The Macaws are the largest Neotropical parrots and this species is considered to have a medium size, measuring 84 cm (33"). Their brilliant colors - bright red orange plumage with touches of blue and yellow -, long pointed tail and wings makes the Scarlet Macaw easy to recognize.

   They nest in large natural cavities in tall, thick living or dead trees and frequent solid or patchy deciduous or evergreen forests, feeding in canopy on fruits and nuts of trees in pairs or family groups of 3-4 that sometimes unite in flocks of up to 25 or 50. Usually they will roost in tall trees and mangroves

   A very interesting fact about the Scarlet Macaw is their monogamous status, they choose one mate only for life. These are highly social birds and will normally be seen flying in flocks, within which pairs are often distinguishable. Scarlet Macaws make loud, deep, hoarse squawks. It shouts similar to raaaak, rowwka, and that's why their flocks are very noisy.