Scarlet Macaw

Scientific name: Ara macao

The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most charismatic birds found in South-Eastern Mexico through Brazil. These birds are characterized by their colorful red, yellow, green and blue plumage, featherless skin around the eye to the bill, and four-toe feet with sharp claws at the tip.

However, Scarlet Macaws are also known for having one of the most adorable traits any animal could have…mating for life with their partner! And we've got to admit, that’s a pretty long life as they have an average life span of 50 years!

These rainbow-colored birds reach sexual maturity at about 4 years of age and nest from January through April. When they become adults and have found their soul mate, females lay one or two eggs which incubate for about 5 weeks while fathers go out hunting for food.

Adults are very affectionate towards their chicks and they won’t raise ones until their previous babies have fledged and are independent. The chicks remain in the nest for about 90 days and then part their own way after a year. In the meantime, adults preen on each other and their chicks, share food with their mates and enjoy each other’s company.

This Valentine’s Day take inspiration from this winged wonder and if you’re lucky enough, you might see them flying in pairs during a Belize birding tour at speeds of 35 miles per hour. Totally worth saying: LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

Join us on our Wings Over Belize and Best of Belize Birding Packages for an unforgettable look at these beautiful parrots! It’ll be an amazing adventure!