Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) close up, Costa Rica - stock photo

The colorful scarlet macaw is one of the most famous tropical birds in the world, making it a popular sight for avian enthusiasts exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica. This brightly bird covers a wide range of countries, living in forests from Mexico all the way down to the central region of South America. While it may be easy to spot the scarlet macaw against the lush green backdrop of the Costa Rican rainforest, it is even easier to hear them. As strong migratory birds, the macaws have adapted a low-pitched and throaty squawk intended to reverberate for miles. Compound this voluminous call with the fact that mating pairs will often travel with their young in family units for upwards of a year after their hatching, and the birds can be quite easy to find.