RANGE Humid regions of Mexico, south through parts of Central America, and into northern South America
HABITAT Tropical evergreen and riparian forests, near rivers and clearings with big trees
DIET Palm fruits, figs, berries, seeds, nuts and pods, insects and their larvae. They also supplement their diet with nectar, leaf shoots and flowers
In Mayan tradition, the scarlet macaw represented daylight and the rising sun. Macaws eat mud from the side of cliffs to obtain minerals that will aid in neutralizing the acid in their system.
A macaw's strong bill is used to crush its food and as an additional limb for climbing. They communicate by making loud squawks and piercing shrieks which help them make their presence known in dense rain forests.
These birds are on the endangered species list due to loss of their natural habitat caused by deforestation, as well as illegal capturing of chicks and adults for the international pet trade.
