Why do some of the world's most vibrant birds eat clay from riverbanks?

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The scarlet macaw is a striking parrot known for its brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage. Beyond its beauty, this gregarious bird possesses a powerful, sickle-shaped beak used to crack hard seeds. In parts of Peru, these parrots gather in hundreds to consume clay, a behavior linked to their complex diet.

The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is widely recognized as one of the most iconic parrots of the New World. Characterized by a bare white face that can flush when the bird is excited, these large, long-tailed birds are typically observed in pairs or family groups. Their physical design is highly specialized; they use their beaks not only for feeding but also as a third foot while navigating through trees. This versatile tool allows them to access a wide variety of fruits, flowers, leaves, and hard-shelled seeds.

A fascinating aspect of their behavior occurs at mineral-rich riverbanks, such as those found in Manú National Park in Peru. Here, members of five different macaw species congregate by the hundreds to ingest clay. Ornithologists suggest that this unique habit may serve a critical physiological function: helping the birds detoxify chemical compounds found in the plants they consume. This is particularly significant given that some macaw species are known to eat plants that are otherwise toxic to humans.

Despite their adaptability, scarlet macaws face significant threats in the wild. Their population has been impacted by land clearing, logging, and the illegal international pet trade. While some macaws in captivity have been recorded living up to 65 years, their survival in the wild is increasingly precarious. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified several related macaw species as endangered or critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these spectacular birds and their natural habitats.

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