STEP INTO THE WORLD of the Red and Green Macaw

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Red and Green Macaw: The Giant of the Amazon Canopy

Few birds represent the grandeur of the Amazon like the Red-and-green macaw. This spectacular parrot, scientifically known as Ara chloropterus, is one of the largest macaws in the rainforest, recognized for its vibrant red plumage, powerful wings, and impressive wingspan. Among the most fascinating characteristics of this species are its intelligence and strong lifelong pair bonds, which make it one of the most iconic birds of the Amazon canopy.

In the Peruvian Amazon, these macaws inhabit vast stretches of rainforest, especially in mature forests near rivers. Travelers often observe them gathering at clay licks, where dozens descend to consume mineral rich clay. One of the most important red and green macaw facts is their dependence on massive old trees such as the Shihuahuaco, whose natural cavities provide safe nesting sites high in the canopy. Without these trees, Ara chloropterus has very few places to reproduce successfully.

As these towering trees disappear due to habitat loss, nesting opportunities for Ara chloropterus and Ara macao become increasingly rare. In response, scientists created the Tambopata Macaw Project, a long term conservation initiative dedicated to protecting macaws and studying their breeding behavior in the wild.

A mated pair of Red and green macaws in the Peruvian Amazon, photo by Hugo Cliff A mated pair of Red and green macaws in the Peruvian Amazon, photo by Hugo Cliff

A glimpse into the macaw’s life

Through decades of research, the Tambopata Macaw Project has revealed remarkable insights into the lives of macaws. One recent milestone was the publication of the scientific paper Temporal Dynamics of Parental Behavior and Nest Use in Ara chloropterus and Ara macao at an Artificial Nest Box in Peru.

The study documents how parents coordinate incubation, feeding, and protection inside artificial nest boxes placed high in the forest canopy. These discoveries are helping scientists better understand how Ara chloropterus raises its young and what conditions are necessary for its survival in the wild. For travelers interested in wildlife and conservation, these discoveries add another layer of meaning to the growing list of fascinating red-and-green macaw facts emerging from the Amazon.

Red and green macaw chick in an artificial nest at the Tambopata Macaw Project, photo by Hugo Cliff.Red and green macaw chick in an artificial nest at the Tambopata Macaw Project, photo by Hugo Cliff.

MacawCam: A Live Window Into the Amazon

One of the most exciting ways to witness the lives of macaws today is through the MacawCam, a live streaming camera installed inside an active artificial nest in the Amazon.

Broadcasting directly from the rainforest near Tambopata Research Center, the MacawCam allows viewers around the world to observe the nesting behavior of macaws like Ara chloropterus in real time, from incubation to the early development of a chick. For travelers planning a journey to the Amazon, this live window offers a first glimpse into the remarkable world behind many red and green macaw facts long before arriving in the forest.

Where to See Red and Green Macaws in the Wild

For many travelers, seeing Ara chloropterus flying above the rainforest canopy is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Amazon. These macaws are especially well known in Tambopata National Reserve, where protected forests and abundant nesting sites still support healthy populations.

Red and green macaws are almost always seen flying through the Amazonian skies, photo by Jonah DariusRed and green macaws are almost always seen flying through the Amazonian skies, photo by Jonah Darius

Every morning, large flocks gather at nearby clay licks, filling the humid air with vibrant colors and loud calls as they descend to feed on mineral rich clay. Observing this spectacle helps visitors understand why so many red and green macaw facts emphasize the importance of conserving intact rainforest habitats for the survival of Ara chloropterus and the countless species that share the Amazon canopy. 

By Pedro Naveros

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This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all

We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all

I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all

Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all

If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all

If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all

This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all

I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all

An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all

The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all

We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all

Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all

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