Scarlet Macaws
The return of Scarlet Macaws or “lapas” as they are known in Costa Rica to Costa Ballena after many years of absence, is a source of happiness and gratitude.
Now we see them flying along the beach approaching Rancho La Merced.
These Psittacidae never go unnoticed due to their bustling distinctive song as they fly or eat in the trees. We are talking about the Scarlet Macaw or Ara macao, which is found from southern Mexico to Argentina.
For its beauty and colors, this species is at high risk of extinction. In most of Central America there are only known as exotic trophies in cages.
That’s why we ask you to denounce those who engage in the illegal trafficking and sale of this species to ensure that future generations can enjoy and watch them in their natural habitat.
A curious fact about this species is that they are monogamous, which means they have one single partner throughout their life even if he/she dies.
So it is common to see them flying in pairs. In macaws sexual dimorphism does not exist, that means that both male and female are exactly alike externally.
Sex can be determined only with a DNA test or endoscopy under anesthesia looking for sexual organs. They lay one or two eggs taking advantage of the holes made by woodpeckers or in trees that have some natural cavity.
They hatch the eggs for about 25 days and care for their chicks during 105 days. At one year of age, offspring separate from their parents and at the age of 4 they start matchmaking to find a partner to share a 30 to 40 year long life with.