All 17 Types of Macaws and Where to See Them in the Wild

If you have spent any time in South or Central America, you have probably seen at least one species of macaw. Scarlet macaws flying over Costa Rica’s sandy beaches, Hyacinth macaws feeding on the fruit of palm trees in the Pantanal or the Blue and Yellow macaws congregating at the clay licks in the Amazon.

Macaws are some of the most beautiful, intelligent, and personable birds to see in the wild, and as many as 17 different types of macaws are found in South and Central America. However, two of these species are most likely extinct in the wild.

Macaws are distinguished from other parrots by the patches of bare skin on their faces. But what not many people realise is that there are two types of macaws: the large birds like the Scarlet macaw and the mini macaws that are about half as small.

All macaws are social birds and typically form strong, monogamous pair bonds. They are often seen flying in large flocks, with bonded pairs flying close together. Depending on the species, some macaws live 60 to 80 years or more.

I have seen only 3 species of Macaw so far: Hyacinth, Blue-and-Yellow, and Scarlet macaws, but I have researched the best opportunities for seeing most other species in the wild. The Amazon in Ecuador and Peru is at the top of the bucket list. So, here’s your guide to each of the 17 species of macaws and where to see them in the wild.

In this post

Hyacinth Macaw

Latin name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Range: Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia
Size: 100 cm (39 in)

The magnificent Hyacinth macaw is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot in the world, reaching 100 centimetres in length. Because they are so large and so personable, seeing them up close is an extraordinary experience.

Pair of Hyacinth macaws at Hotel Pantanal Norte, Porto Jofre

We had several opportunities to observe Hyacinth macaws in Porto Joffre in the Brazilian Pantanal during our jaguar safari. They like to feed on the seeds of palm trees growing around the lodge. And the seeds grow quite low on the trees, so you get to see the macaws at a very close range.

Because of their striking looks, Hyacinth macaws are popular in the exotic pet trade. The capture of birds, together with habitat loss, are the main causes of these magnificent birds’ decline.

But the Pantanal remains the best place to see Hyacinth macaws. Some lodge owners in the Pantanal plant trees favoured by macaws on their properties, like the lovely Pouso Alegre lodge, which is another great place for spotting Hyacinth macaws.

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw

Latin name: Ara ararauna
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Northern South America, east of the Andes, from Panama to Brazil
Size: 76–86 cm (30–34 in)

The strikingly colourful Blue-and-yellow macaw is distributed throughout the Amazon basin. We saw these macaws in the Brazilian Pantanal, both on the northern and southern sides of the wetland.

For a guaranteed sighting, go to Pousada Piuval Lodge on the Transpantainera highway in the northern Pantanal. There is a pair of macaws nesting in the trunk of a dead palm tree standing by the swimming pool. The owners are probably keeping the dead tree untouched specifically for the macaws. Nesting hollows are a prized commodity in the macaw world.

Blue-and-yellow macaws at a bird feeder in the Brazilian Pantanal

Another fantastic place to watch Blue-and-yellow macaws is Fazenda San Francisco in the southern Pantanal. The fazenda is a working ranch as well as a tourism outfit. They have enormous bird feeders attached to the fences around the property that attract these beautiful birds.

Beyond the Pantanal, Napo Wildlife Center Community in Ecuador Tambopata National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon are some of the best places to see the Blue-and-Yellow as well as several other species of macaw.

Scarlet Macaw

Latin name: Ara macao
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Mexico to the Amazon Basin in South America
Size: 81–96 cm (32–38 in)

The Scarlet macaw is the type of macaw you are likely to spot on your holiday in Costa Rica. While you have a good chance of seeing them almost anywhere along Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, we’ve seen more Scarlet macaws in Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park than anywhere else. Palo Verde National Park is another good place to see them.

Costa Rica animals: Scarlet macaw — Scarlet macaw. Image: Depositphotos

Like all macaws, Scarlet macaws are social birds and usually move about in noisy flocks. These birds form lifelong bonds, and pairs fly very close to each other, sometimes with their wings touching.

Beyond Costa Rica, the best places to see Scarlet Macaws are the parrot clay licks, like those in Yasuni National Park, and Napo Wildlife Center Community in Ecuador in Ecuador and in Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

Red-and-Green Macaw

Latin name: Ara chloropterus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia
Size: 90–95 cm (35–37 in)

Red-and-green macaws are superbly colourful birds. And while they are the second largest macaws, they are relatively quiet and gentle, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “gentle giants”.

To differentiate the Red-and-green macaw from the similar Scarlet macaw, look for the characteristic red lines around the eyes of the Red-and-green macaw, formed by rows of tiny feathers on the otherwise bare white skin patch. Also the Red-and-Green macaw’s wings are mostly green, while the Scarlet macaw’s are mostly yellow.

The best place to see Red-and-green macaw is the parrot clay licks in the Amazon, in places like Yasuni National Park in Ecuador, and Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park in Peru.

Military Macaw

Latin name: Ara militaris
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Range: Mexico to Argentina, particularly the Andes
Size: 70–80 cm (27–31 in)

E-bird introduces the Military macaw as a “spectacular, huge, and long-tailed parrot” that, unfortunately, has disappeared from most of its range mostly due to being captured for the pet trade.

They have a localized distribution in Mexico and in narrow strips along the Andes from Venezuela to Paraguay. Where they do occur, they prefer to live in forested foothills and canyons.

Military macaws are very similar in appearance to the Great Green macaws but can be distinguished by their smaller size, completely black bill, and more vivid plumage.

A good place to see Military macaws is the famous birdwatching lodge WildSumaco in Ecuador.

Great Green Macaw

Latin name: Ara ambiguus
Conservation Status: Endangered
Range: Honduras to western Colombia
Size: 85–90 cm (33–35 in)

A huge lime-green parrot with a long brownish tail tipped with pale blue. The great green macaw is the largest parrot in its range and the second heaviest among all macaw species.

This macaw is highly dependent on mature forests and the almendro tree (Dipteryx oleifera), which provide both food and nesting sites. This reliance makes the species especially vulnerable to habitat loss caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion.

Like many other types of macaws, Great green macaws often travel in pairs or small family groups, displaying strong social bonds. Conservation programs, aimed at habitat restoration and anti-poaching efforts, are gradually helping their populations recover, but they remain one of the rarer macaws in the wild.

The best place to try spotting Great green macaws is Costa Rica’s Bosque del Niño due to ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species’ habitat in the park.

Blue-Throated Macaw

Latin name: Ara glaucogularis
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Range: Small regions in northern Bolivia
Size: 85 cm (33 in)

The rare blue-throated macaw is distinguished from the larger blue-and-yellow macaw by its blue throat and blue crown. This species has a very narrow distribution range. Unlike most types of macaws, it is not a forest-dwelling species. Instead, it inhabits (only) the seasonally flooded savannas of the Moxos Plains (Llanos de Moxos) in the Beni Department of Bolivia, where it relies heavily on palm trees for both food and nesting sites. The species feeds primarily on the fruits of Attalea and Acrocomia palms, which shape its distribution and foraging behaviour.

This macaw is among the rarest in the world, with only about 200-300 individuals remaining in the wild. Its population is split into two sub-populations: one northwest of the city of La Santisima Trinidad and the other to the south. Habitat loss, the illegal pet trade, and low reproductive rates have all contributed to its critically endangered status.

If you’re hoping to see blue-throated macaws in their natural habitat, the Barba Azul Nature Reserve is the place to go, especially during the dry season when they gather near water sources. This reserve was specifically established to protect the species and its habitat.

Lear’s Macaw

Latin name: Anodorhynchus leari
Conservation Status: Endangered
Range: Northeastern Brazil
Size: 70–75 cm (27–30 in)

Smaller and not as vivid as the similar-looking Hyacinth macaw, the rare Lear’s macaw is native to northeastern Brazil, where it primarily inhabits dry, open landscapes called caatinga. These macaws are highly specialized feeders, relying almost exclusively on the licuri palm (Syagrus coronata). This dependence makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss, as agricultural expansion and cattle grazing continuously reduce the availability of licuri palms.

To see Lear’s Macaws in the wild, head to Canudos Biological Station. They’re usually seen in small groups, feeding on licuri palm nuts in the early morning or late afternoon.

Red-Fronted Macaw

Latin name: Ara rubrogenys
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Range: Bolivia
Size: 55–60

The red-fronted macaw is a striking and rare species endemic to a small region in central Bolivia. Named for the distinctive red patch on its forehead, this medium-sized macaw is fairly similar to the Military macaw, from which it can be distinguished by the orange fold to the leading edge of the wing, no bare facial skin, and a dark grey bill.

Unlike most macaws, red-fronted macaws inhabit arid valleys and cliffs in the semi-desert regions of the Andes, particularly in the Río Grande and Río Mizque basins. They rely heavily on cactus fruits, seeds, and cultivated crops for food, often bringing them into conflict with local farmers. This dependence on a limited habitat, combined with habitat destruction and illegal trapping for the pet trade, has led to their classification as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

The best place to see Red-fronted macaws is the Red-fronted Macaw Reserve Lodge, about a 6-hour drive from Santa Cruz. During the breeding period (November to early May), you can enjoy the arrival of the parrots at the cliffs and observe the birds from the lodge while you enjoy your meal.

Mini Macaws

Mini macaws are smaller in size but no less captivating! These species often inhabit savannas or forest edges and bring their own vibrant personalities to the macaw family.

Chestnut-Fronted Macaw

Latin name: Ara severus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Northern South America, from Panama through the Amazon Basin
Size: 45–50 cm (18–20 in)

The Chestnut-fronted macaw is one of the largest mini macaws, recognizable by its green body, chestnut-coloured forehead, and blue-tipped wings and tail.

Highly adaptable, these macaws inhabit a variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests and savannas to urban areas across a wide range from Central to South America.

Like the other macaws, Chestnut-fronted macaws are intelligent and social birds. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups, often playing and fooling around.

Good places to see Chestnut-fronted macaws are the incredible Tambopata Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon, and the Napo Wildlife Center Community in Ecuador, where you can see them at clay licks, among several other species of macaw.

Red-Shouldered Macaw

Latin name: Diopsittaca nobilis
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: of Brazil, the Guianas, Bolivia, Venezuela, and far south-eastern Peru.
Size: 30 cm (12 – 14 in)

The red-shouldered macaw is the smallest of all macaw species, standing out for its compact size and lively personality. It measures all of 30 cm (12 inches) in length.

Native to northern South America, the red-shouldered macaw inhabits a range of environments, from the savannas and grasslands of Venezuela and Brazil to the forest edges of Colombia and the Guianas.

These macaws are usually found foraging in groups or pairs in savannas, palm groves, and occasionally in urban areas.

You could see red-shouldered macaws in city parks, like the botanical gardens in Rio de Janeiro or San Paulo in Brazil. Brazilian Pantanal is another great spot for red-shouldered macaws and a few other large macaw species.

Red-Bellied Macaw

Common name: Orthopsittaca manilatus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Northern South America, particularly in Brazil and Venezuela
Size: 46–50 cm (18–20 in)

Red-bellied macaws have distinctive olive-green feathers with a vibrant red patch on their belly. This species is critically dependent on Mauritia palm trees, which provide the macaws with food and woodpecker holes as roosting sites.

These macaws are one of the few species that roost in groups year-round, so if you find one, you’ll likely spot many more nearby. Their distinct calls and large flocks make them easy to find when roosting.

Good places to see Red-bellied macaws are the Amazon clay licks, such as the Napo Wildlife Center Community in Ecuador and the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

Blue-Headed Macaw

Common name: Primolius couloni
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Range: Western Amazon Basin in Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia
Size: 41–45 cm (16–18 in)

Recognized by their blue head and green body, the Blue-headed macaw is also the only macaw species not to have light facial skin. It occurs in eastern Peru, far western Brazil, and north-western Bolivia.

These macaws prefer humid evergreen forests found along forest edges, rivers, and edges of forest clearings. They are typically seen in groups of 2-4 individuals.

Peru is the best country for spotting Blue-headed macaws, particularly at clay licks in Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park.

Yellow-Collared Macaw

Latin name: Primolius auricollis
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Range: Eastern and Central South America, from Brazil to Argentina
Size: 38–43 cm (15–17 in)

With a unique yellow “collar” on the back of its neck, the Yellow-collared macaw is hard to miss. It lives mostly in the lowlands, where it prefers forest habitats (although not the Amazon rainforest), woodland, savanna, and grassland with scattered trees.

A good place to see Yellow-collared macaws is Brazilia’s northern Pantanal. Like most mini-macaws, Yellow-collared macaws are usually seen in small flocks or in pairs during the breeding season.

Blue-Winged Macaw

Latin name: Primolius maracana
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Range: Eastern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina
Size: 40–41 cm (16 in)

The Blue-winged macaw has bright blue wings and tail feathers, with a mix of green and red on its body. Like the Red-bellied macaw, their patches of bare skin on the face are yellowish.

While they once thrived across a larger range, habitat loss has reduced their population significantly.

These macaws occur in evergreen and deciduous forests where they feed mainly on seeds of the favela (Cnidoscolus quercifolius), Jatropha, bay cedar (Guazuma ulmifolia), chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach).

To see Blue-winged macaws in the wild, visit Serra da Canastra National Park in Brazil, where local conservation efforts have supported their numbers. Another good place for finding this macaw is Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, also in Brazil.

Blue-winged macaws are typically seen in pairs or small groups at forest edges, in palm groves, and the open woodlands.

Extinct or Extremely Rare Species

Spix’s Macaw

Latin name: Cyanopsitta spixii
Conservation Status: Extinct in the Wild (Reintroduction Programs Ongoing)
Range: Formerly northeastern Brazil
Size: 55 cm (21.5 in)

Spix’s Macaw, also known as the “Little Blue Macaw,” was endemic to Brazil. The species became famous through the efforts to save it from extinction. Despite the efforts, however, no Spix’s macaws have been detected in surveys for several years, and in 2019, the species was declared extinct in the wild.

Currently, reintroduction programs with 52 birds reintroduced into their native range in northeastern Brazil.

Glaucous Macaw

Latin name: Anodorhynchus glaucus
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)
Range: Historically in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay
Size: 70–75 cm (27–30 in)

The Glaucous macaw, a pale blue-gray species, was endemic to north Argentina, south Paraguay, and parts of Bolivia, Uruguay and Brazil. The species hasn’t been seen in the wild for decades, and it’s considered possibly extinct. Conservationists remain hopeful that undiscovered populations might still exist in remote areas, but sightings are exceedingly rare. Habitat destruction, especially the loss of yatay palm (Butia yatay) forests, has been a major contributor to their decline.

While large groves of yatay palms in El Palmar National Park, in Argentina, as well as in southern Brazil, there have been no signs of Glaucous macaws in the past several decades have been found.

This concludes my brief introduction to the Macaw family. I hope you enjoy spotting them on your travels as much as I do.