Red Bank Village in Belize and The Scarlet Macaw Tour

If you have a passion for birds, wildlife or eco-tourism, you must visit the Scarlet Macaw preserve at Red Bank Village. Located in the Stann Creek District, Red Bank is the largest gathering of scarlet macaws in Central America. These gorgeous birds fly down from their mountain nesting sites every year on their way to warmer locations.

Colorful Seasonal Visitors

Every year from December through March, these brightly colored birds flock to the village to feed. The native trees in Red Bank are home to the fruits and nuts which are the birds’ favorite foods. After finishing their stay in Red Bank Village, they head to Chiquibul National Park for the breeding season.
Macaws are large birds related to parrots. Their bodies are red, and their wings are blue, white, black and yellow. You can often spot them flying in pairs. When you spot them in Red Bank, you’ll also see parrots, toucans, and herons.
Any birder will be enthralled to see hundreds of these birds flocking around the banks of the river. Scarlet macaws are extremely rare. Their numbers have diminished because of habitat loss and poaching. Although poaching is now illegal, the birds reproduce slowly. The bird sanctuary at Red Bank is an important part of conservation efforts to monitor and preserve these beautiful birds.

A Community Coming Together

The story of the scarlet macaws is an amazing example of community conservation efforts. Belize has a history of these community initiatives including the Community Baboon Sanctuary and the establishment of Hol Chan Marine Reserve. These were all community efforts that are now recognized as major conservation successes.
Red Bank is a Maya village located 39 miles southeast of Belmopan and 37 miles west of Placencia. With the help of the Belize Audubon Society, the village residents have established a system of counting, monitoring and protecting these endangered birds. In return, birding tours bring money to the village. The project has been successful for both villagers and macaws.

Visit the Maya and the Macaws

Visiting this rural village is an opportunity to experience an authentic Maya life. The area is wild and unspoiled. If you plan to visit Red Bank to see the birds, you should hire a local resident to guide you through the dense jungle to the river. Be ready for a hike to reach the macaw feeding area. We recommend wearing hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat and plenty of insect repellent. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.

Enjoy a Rare Opportunity

If you’re interested in this incredible opportunity to see scarlet macaws, contact your tour company to make the arrangements. Visiting Red Bank during scarlet macaw season is an unforgettable experience that every bird lover should have.
Written by Larry Waight