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SCARLET MACAW  Ara macao 81–96cm. Spectacular, essentially unmistakable

large parrot of humid lowland forest and edge, ranchland with forest patches;

often near rivers where larger trees persist. No similar species in Costa Rica;

however, when colors not discernible at long range or against bright cloudy

skies, note appreciably longer tail than Great Green Macaw. In pairs or small

groups, ranging widely for food; mainly seen in flight early to mid-morning and

late in day, commuting to and from feeding areas or near roosting and nesting

sites. At other times can sit quietly in canopy, where easily overlooked. In some

areas, associates loosely with Great Green Macaws. Flight direct and relatively

unhurried, with strong steady wingbeats, tail flowing out behind. SOUNDS: Far-carrying, deep raucous

cries in flight, rrah, and rrrahk; quieter calls sometimes when perched. Not as crowing and drawn-out as

calls of Great Green Macaw. STATUS: Uncommon to fairly common but very local in n. lowlands, fairly

common (and noisy!) on s. Pacific slope; formerly common on both slopes, but widely extirpated by

deforestation and hunting for pet trade. (Mexico to S America.)

GREAT GREEN MACAW  Ara ambiguus 71–79cm. Spectacular large parrot of

humid lowland forest and edge, ranchland with forest patches. No similar species

in Costa Rica; when colors may not be discernable at long range or against bright

cloudy skies, note appreciably longer, more flowing tail of Scarlet Macaw. In

pairs or small groups, locally flocks up to 20 or so birds, ranging widely for food;

mainly seen in flight early to mid-morning and late in day commuting to and

from feeding areas or near roosting and nesting sites. At other times can sit

quietly in canopy, where easily overlooked. Flight direct and relatively unhurried,

with strong steady wingbeats. SOUNDS: Far-carrying, raucous, slightly crowing

calls, rraah, and ráahh, average higher, less throaty than Scarlet Macaw; quieter and lower calls sometimes

when perched. STATUS: Uncommon to scarce and local on Caribbean slope, mainly below 600m; widely

extirpated by deforestation and hunting for pet trade. (Honduras to S America.)

SULPHUR-WINGED PARAKEET  Pyrrhura hoffmanni 23–25cm. Distinctive,

medium-size parakeet of foothill and highland forest and edge, adjacent second

growth and semi-open areas with taller trees. Usually in small flocks, locally up

to 50 or so birds. Mostly seen in flight, shrieking by quickly above the treetops

in compact groups: note voice, extensive yellow underwing flashes, reddish

underside to tail. Feeds quietly low to high in bushes and trees, especially alders,

when can be confiding; perched birds easily identified by red cheek patch,

yellow scalloping on head and neck. Juv. has less yellow in wing, duller head

pattern. SOUNDS:  High, semi-metallic, often upslurred screeches, typically

higher and simpler than other medium-size and larger parakeets in Costa Rica, sometimes with strongly

buzzy quality. STATUS: Fairly common on both slopes of Talamanca Mts., mainly 1500–3000m; descends

locally to 700m, mainly in wet season. (Costa Rica to w. Panama.)