Scarlet Macaws of the Osa Peninsula.

May 3, 2026

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The scarlet macaws of the Osa Peninsula are the largest population of Macaws in all of Costa Rica

They mate for life

Scarlet Macaws of the Osa peninsula , also known as Lapas in Costa Rica, mate for life . If the male can not get the female pregnant, the female will find another male for mating, but will still stay with her chosen male throughout their life.

The Lapas population is growing.

The last research has the Lapa population between 800 and 1200 single birds. At one time, they were declining for several reasons. Large fruit companies were spraying their fruits with pesticides that made the eggs soft and would not hatch.

Decline in habitat was the second reason, with illegal logging.

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center has a program to incubate the eggs to release the Lapas back into the wild. Over the last 20 years, they have released over 300 Scarlet Macaws back into the wild.

Scarlet Macaw eating beach almonds in a tree on the Osa Peninsula

Where to find them

Lapas love beach almonds; it is one of their favorite foods to eat. On any given day, you will hear the screaming before you see them. They fly in pairs, in groups of up to 20 pairs

I have an almond tree in my yard, and these beautiful birds show up every day to eat the almonds.

The Osa Peninsula is Scarlet Macaws’ country; it will not be hard to find them. They are my favorite birds on the Osa Peninsula.

Diet and Habits

“While it is well known that Lapas love beach almonds (Terminalia catappa), it is fascinating to watch how they eat them. By using their incredibly strong, hooked beaks, they crack the hard outer shell to reach the small nut inside. This high-protein diet provides essential energy, especially during the breeding season. If you have an almond tree in your yard, you are essentially hosting a gourmet restaurant for the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica!”

Nesting and Intelligence

“Typically, Scarlet Macaws nest in the cavities of large, old-growth trees like the Ceiba or the Gallinazo. Instead of finding a new home every year, they often return to the same site repeatedly. Their intelligence is truly remarkable—being highly social, they communicate with a variety of loud, guttural squawks that can be heard from miles away. This social structure helps the group protect each other from predators and find the best feeding grounds across the Peninsula.”

Conservation

“The fact that the population is now between 800 and 1,200 birds is a massive victory for Costa Rica. Beyond the work of rescue centers, local communities on the Osa have played a huge role by protecting habitats and stopping illegal poaching. Today, seeing a pair of macaws flying overhead serves as a symbol of a healthy, protected rainforest.”

Tips for Photographers and Birders

Golden Hour: The best light for capturing their vibrant red and blue feathers is during the “golden hour”—just after sunrise or before sunset.
Listen for the Squawk: You will almost always hear them before you see them. Use your ears to track their flight path through the canopy.
Patience is Key: If you find them feeding in an almond tree, stay still and quiet. They are curious birds and may stay for quite a while if they don’t feel threatened.

They love to play

Lapas will recognize you. I had one lapa that had a little white patch on its head. Every time we saw each other, he would show off. turning upside down, and it seemed he was smiling.