Nature Field Guide
Scarlet Macaw
- Spanish name
- Lapa roja
- Scientific name
- Ara macao
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “Those wings have three colors to discover!”
Tati: “Let’s listen, look up and give the pair room to fly.”
What does Least Concern mean?
In the linked conservation assessment, this species does not qualify as threatened or near threatened with extinction. It still needs care: local populations and habitats can face problems even when the species has a lower extinction risk overall.
This label describes conservation status. It does not tell us whether a plant is safe for children or pets. Select the status button to read the assessment.
Species overview
About the Scarlet Macaw
The Scarlet Macaw is a large, long-tailed parrot with red plumage, yellow wing panels and blue flight feathers. A pale upper bill and bare facial skin offer additional clues. Its strong bill handles seeds and other plant foods, while loud calls can reveal birds before they are visible.
In Costa Rica it occupies Pacific forests, including both seasonally dry and humid habitats. Birds travel in pairs or groups and use tall trees for roosting. Breeding requires a substantial tree cavity. Protecting mature trees therefore preserves shelter as well as feeding opportunities; an open view of a flying macaw tells only part of its forest story.
Identification
Key Features of the Scarlet Macaw
Red body with yellow and blue wing feathers.
Long pointed tail and large pale upper bill.
Loud calls; birds may fly in pairs.
Habitat & range
Important populations occur around Carara and the Osa Peninsula. Guanacaste includes restored populations around Punta Islita; this does not imply occurrence throughout the region.
Local observations
SINAC names Scarlet Macaw at Carara. The Tárcoles town tag identifies nearby access; it is not a record for every street or beach.
When to observe
Plan a quiet observation with a local guide. Weather, food availability and the chosen habitat affect what you may see; a location record does not guarantee a sighting.
Seasonal Calendar
Breeding
Costa Rica; broad national window
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Broad reported window, not a dated Carara nesting forecast.
Event source ↗Conservation & care
Stay on authorized trails or viewing routes. Give birds space, keep voices low and leave nests undisturbed. Observe without bait, feeding or recorded calls.
Threats & pressures
Forest loss removes feeding and nesting trees. Capture for the pet trade also affects populations; global status does not describe every local population.
Conservation assessment
World Parrot Trust reports IUCN Least Concern; local declines are still documented. Source checked 7 October 2026. This is a global species category, not a count of birds in the tagged towns.
Observation activity
Record three features you actually observe: shape, movement and habitat. Draw the bird from a respectful distance and compare your notes with a field guide.
Explore by location
Central Pacific · Guanacaste · South Pacific · Guanacaste · Puntarenas · San José · Tárcoles