Let’s look at several differences that exist between these birds!
Comparing a Green-Winged Macaw and a Scarlet Macaw
The Key Differences Between a Green-Winged Macaw vs. Scarlet Macaw
The most obvious differences between a green-winged macaw and a scarlet macaw can be found in their feather colors and size. The green-winged macaw, also called the red-and-green macaw, is larger than the scarlet macaw, weighing up to 3.7 pounds and growing up to 37 inches in height compared to the scarlet macaw which weighs about 2.5 pounds on average and grows up to 32 inches in height. The other major difference between these creatures is that the green-winged macaw has red feathers by its eyes along with green feathers on its wings, both of which are not present on the scarlet macaw. Together, these differences make it easy to tell these macaws apart from one another. Yet, there are other ways to differentiate these animals. We’ll show you five ways that these animals are unique from one another!
Green-Winged Macaw vs. Scarlet Macaw: Size
The green-winged macaw is larger than the average scarlet macaw. The green-winged macaw weighs between 2 and 3.7 pounds while the scarlet macaw typically weighs between 2 and 2.5 pounds. Moreover, the green-winged macaw grows between 26 and 37 inches in height while the scarlet macaw grows up to 32 inches in height.
Green-Winged Macaw vs. Scarlet Macaw: Morphology
The green-winged macaw and scarlet macaw have different colors that set them apart. Both birds are primarily red and have long, curved beaks. Yet, if you look at the wings of these birds along with their faces, it’s easy to reveal their identities. The green-winged macaw has small red feathers surrounding its eyes and a mostly white face. However, the scarlet macaw lacks those feathers and just has a bald, white face. So, if the macaw has red feathers surrounding its eyes, it’s probably a green-winged macaw and not a scarlet macaw. Moreover, the green-winged macaw lives up to its name by having green feathers on its wings. The orientation of colors starting at the highest point on the wings near the shoulder are red, green, and teal at the end. The green color is in the upper and middle portions of the wings. However, scarlet macaws lack green color in their wings. Instead, they have red, then yellow, and finally dark blue feathers on their wings. Their wings have yellow and deeper blue colors. In the rare case that they have green in their wings, the presence of the other colors will give them away. Finally, the green-winged macaw is larger than the scarlet macaw, so you could potentially tell the species apart if they were standing next to each other.
Green-Winged Macaw vs. Scarlet Macaw: Species
The green-winged macaw and the scarlet macaw both belong to the Ara genus, but they are not the same species. The scarlet macaw’s scientific name is Ara macao. Meanwhile, the green-winged macaw’s scientific name is Ara chloropterus.
Green-Winged Macaw vs. Scarlet Macaw: Distribution
The scarlet macaw has a larger distribution compared to the green-winged macaw. Scarlet macaws are found in Central and South America. In the former, they live in Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, and Honduras where they are the national bird. In South America, they live in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, and others. Green-winged macaws only live in South America. They’re found in countries like Peru, Brazil, Guyana, Ecuador, and others. Both birds are commonly found in other parts of the world as pets and in the care of zoos.
Green-Winged Macaw vs. Scarlet Macaw: Lifespan
Macaws are long-lived birds, but the scarlet macaw is believed to live longer based on observations. The average green-winged macaw can live between 40 and 50 years in the wild and up to 63 years in captivity. Scarlet macaws live between 40 and 50 years in the wild. Yet, they can live up to 75 years in captivity with proper care. Some scientists have theorized that these birds could live for an even longer amount of time, up to 90 years! Scarlett macaws and green-winged macaws are similar creatures. They have great longevity, have distributions that overlap, and eat many of the same things. However, they have obvious differences in their colors, size, and other and lifespan. Thus, telling these animals apart is tricky, but possible with a brief look at each.
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