The Scarlet Macaw
Meet The Scarlet Macaw: Costa Rica’s very loud bird
If you hear a loud squawk echoing across the forest before sunrise, it’s probably a Scarlet Macaw. These large, brightly colored parrots are one of the most iconic sounds and sights of Costa Rica’s rainforests. Their calls carry for kilometers through the trees, especially in the early morning when groups gather to feed or fly between roosting areas.
The Scarlet Macaw is both beautiful and intelligent. Covered in red, yellow, and blue feathers, these birds are easy to spot in flight and even easier to hear. They are highly social, often seen in pairs or small family groups, and their strong pair bonds can last a lifetime.
Key Facts
Size: 80 to 90 cm (31 to 35 inches) including tail feathers
Weight: 900 to 1100 grams (2 to 2.5 pounds)
Lifespan: Up to 40 years in the wild
Diet: Fruit, nuts, seeds, and clay from riverbanks
Activity: Diurnal, most active in the morning and afternoon
Interesting Facts About Scarlet Macaws
Scarlet Macaws are among the loudest birds in Central America. Their calls are used to communicate across long distances and keep in touch with their flock. What sounds harsh to human ears actually helps macaws locate each other in dense rainforest.
They are strong fliers and can travel long distances each day in search of food. Their powerful beaks can crack open nuts that other animals cannot eat, and they are skilled at using their feet to hold and manipulate food.
Macaws form lifelong pairs and work together to raise their chicks. They nest in tall trees with deep hollows, usually returning to the same nest site year after year. They are also highly social and often gather in groups of ten or more around fruiting trees.
Despite their bright colors, Scarlet Macaws blend in well with the tropical canopy. Their red and yellow feathers match the fruits and flowers of rainforest trees, helping them hide from predators when perched.
Habitat and Behavior
Scarlet Macaws live in lowland rainforests, mangroves, and coastal woodlands. They prefer tall trees for nesting and feeding, often staying near rivers or open clearings. Their loud calls are usually heard before they are seen, and watching a pair fly overhead is one of the best birdwatching moments in Costa Rica.
Because they are active during the day, macaws are a favorite for family-friendly tours and outdoor adventures. They are easy to observe from trails, rivers, or even from lodges surrounded by forest.
Where to See Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica
Scarlet Macaws are most common on the Pacific coast, especially in the Central and Southern regions. Some of the best tours to experience them include:
Manuel Antonio: Scarlet Macaw Tour with Professional Photos, a guided birdwatching experience where you can observe macaws in their natural habitat while a photographer captures the moment for you
Uvita: Scarlet Macaws in Marino Ballena National Park, a relaxing outdoor adventure combining wildlife viewing with coastal scenery in one of Costa Rica’s most scenic parks
Parrots and Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San José, a full-day experience that includes both macaw and parrot habitats, ideal for families and bird enthusiasts who want to make the most of a day trip from the capital
Guided tours make it easy to learn more about macaw behavior and increase your chances of seeing them in flight. If we do not provide the tour ourselves, you will see we have included links to other tour operators that offer sightings. We have personally been on these tours ourselves and enjoyed them! :)
