Scarlet Macaw
By Kushr3
Description
- Its plumage is scarlet in color. (TAS)
- Plumage: color of all the feathers on a bird's body. (TAS)
- The rump and tail feathers are light blue. (TAS)
- The average height: 32 inches. (TAS)
- The weight is 22 lbs. (TAS)
- Macaws communicate by squeaking loudly and screeching. (TAS)
Food
- Their beaks are sharp to help eat them break the shell of the nuts. (STED)
- To help with digestion they eat clay. (TAS)
- They fly and and search for food. (STED)
- They are prey to falcons, eagles, piranhas and humans. (TAS)
Climate, Countries, and Habitat
- home: lowlands or the emergent part of the Rain forests. (AW)
- They live in the tropical climate. (TAS)
Reproduction
- Breeding: during the first half of the year.
- The nest: a hole at the top of a tall dead tree.
- The female lays 2-4 eggs
- Takes care of them for 22 days.
- When born, the young are blind and almost naked.
- Their eyes open after 7-14 days.
- The young are fed by the parents' partially digested vegetable crop contents.
- 10 weeks: covered with feathers, wings and tail are at their full length.
- 6 months: fully grown (it is hard to distinguish the young from the parents).
Calendar:
September - December: Scarlet macaw pairs look for appropriate nest holes and guard them
December - February: Females lay eggs and incubate them for 22 days
January- February: Chicks hatch
March - April - May: Chicks fledge from nests at around 75 days old
June - August: Chicks fly with parents, learn to feed and socialize and start roosting in Guacalillo Mangrove Reserve with the rest of the flock.
(The Last Flight Of The Scarlet Macaw)
Adaption
- Hides in hollow trees to escape from predators. (TAS)
- They have extra limbs to climb. (AW)
- Structure: sharp talons and a big beak. (TAS)
- One negative fact: cannot camouflage due to bright and colorful plumage. (AW)
Reasons for Endangerment
- Used as prey. (TAS)
- Predators: harpy eagle, jaguar, monitor lizards, snakes, monkeys and toucans. (AW)
- Hunted by humans. (STED)
- Only around 2000 scarlet macaws are left on this planet. (STED)