Head to head
Hyacinth Macaw vs Scarlet Macaw
The hyacinth macaw and scarlet macaw are both iconic large macaws of the Americas, but they differ considerably in size, colouring, and overall conservation status.
| Hyacinth Macaw | Scarlet Macaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus | Ara macao |
| Relative size | Longest parrot species in the world | Large, but shorter than the hyacinth macaw |
| Body colour | Deep cobalt-blue throughout | Red, yellow, and blue |
| Diet specialisation | Heavily dependent on specific palm nuts | General nuts, seeds, fruit, and flowers |
| Bite strength | Among the most powerful of any parrot | Strong |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Stable |
| Habitat | Wetlands, savanna | Rainforest, wetlands |
Hyacinth Macaw vs Scarlet Macaw: common questions
Which macaw is longer, the hyacinth or the scarlet?
The hyacinth macaw is longer, being the longest parrot species in the world by overall body length, while the scarlet macaw is also a large parrot but does not reach the same considerable length as its deep blue relative.
Why is the hyacinth macaw more threatened than the scarlet macaw?
The hyacinth macaw depends heavily on the nuts of specific palm species and suffered severe historical trapping, leaving it classified as Vulnerable, while the scarlet macaw has a broader diet and remains widespread enough across Central and South American rainforest to be classified as Least Concern.
How can you tell a hyacinth macaw from a scarlet macaw?
The hyacinth macaw has a deep cobalt-blue body throughout, while the scarlet macaw instead displays a vivid combination of red, yellow, and blue plumage, making the two species easy to distinguish at a glance despite both being large, iconic macaws of the Americas.