Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) and other Parrots living feral/naturalized
City Parrots is dedicated to the miracle Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) that have been ranging free in the Netherlands for over 25 years. Toos and Nape, as we have named these parrots, allow us, and you, a closer look into the lives of wild Scarlet Macaws. Both are representatives of the endangered Mezzo-American subspecies of Scarlet macaw (Ara macao cyanoptera).
Many parrots have been stolen from their native homes to end up in cages in Europe and elsewhere. But not the ancestors of these Scarlet Macaws; they charmed their way out of the cages and started anew in a foreign home, only assisted by the food their former owner provided them. This free-ranging existence so suited the macaws that they started the next generation of fully Dutch free-ranging Scarlet Macaws. Sadly, their endeavour came to an end after only two breeding cycles. Having fledged 3 youngsters, the parents met with an accident. But their descendents kept up the pedigree and have bred on several occasions. Now, 25 years later Toos and Nape are the last representatives of this unique parrot linage.
Two encouraging breeding attempts in 2005 spark hope that this population may rise out off its ashes once again.
This site celebrates the wonder of Toos and Nape: nature’s not so little gems
City Parrots explores the potential of Free-range parrots as an intensive conservation management tool