Scarlet Macaw: Adapting Ahead

The scarlet macaw lives in tropical rainforests with dense trees and plenty of fruit to eat. But in the future, rising temperatures and deforestation might turn rainforests into dry savannas. This would force the scarlet macaw to adapt to survive. In its future habitat, the macaw’s bright red, blue, and yellow feathers might change to brown or green for camouflage in the grassy savanna. Its curved beak could become stronger and sharper to crack open tougher seeds, as fruit might become rare. The macaw’s wingspan might grow longer to help it travel farther in search of food and water. To avoid predators in the open savanna, the macaw could build nests in burrows or the ground instead of trees. These adaptations would help the scarlet macaw survive in a hotter, drier world. My illustrations show the macaw in its lush rainforest habitat and how it might look in the savanna.