Best Time to See Macaws at Clay Licks in Manu National Park

One of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the Peruvian Amazon is watching colorful macaws gather at natural clay licks. In Manu National Park, these special places are locally known as “colpas,” where macaws, parrots and other birds gather to consume mineral-rich clay, especially during certain months of the year.

Best Months to See Macaws at the Clay Licks

Based on many years of observation in the Manu rainforest, macaws generally begin visiting the clay licks more frequently from late July through March. The highest concentration is usually seen from September through March, when macaw activity around the clay licks is often much greater.

Why Do Macaws Eat Clay?

Scientists and naturalist guides have studied this fascinating behavior for many years. There are several possible reasons why macaws visit clay licks.

To Obtain Essential Minerals

Like all living creatures, macaws require minerals for their bodies.
The exposed clay found at certain locations along Amazonian rivers can contain important mineral salts, particularly sodium, which may be difficult to obtain from their normal forest diet.
This is considered one of the most important reasons why parrots and macaws regularly visit certain clay licks.

Clay May Help With Their Diet

During some periods of the year, macaws consume immature fruits, seeds and young leaves.
Some of these foods contain natural plant compounds that can be difficult to digest. One theory is that certain types of clay may help bind some of these compounds in the digestive system.
For this reason, clay consumption has often been associated with helping macaws cope with their changing seasonal diet

Clay Licks Are Important Social Gathering Places

A macaw clay lick is not only a place to feed.
During most of the day, macaws can be seen flying through the rainforest in pairs, family groups or small flocks. At a clay lick, however, many different birds can gather in the same place.
The surrounding trees can become filled with macaws calling, flying and interacting with one another before descending to the clay.
These gatherings provide an important opportunity for social interaction and may also help younger birds meet other individuals and potential partners.

Why Are There Fewer Macaws From April to June?

From approximately April through June, macaw activity at some clay licks in Manu can decrease considerably.
One important reason is the seasonal availability of food in the rainforest.
During this period, many forest trees produce abundant ripe fruits and other nutritious foods. Macaws can find high-quality food throughout the forest and may therefore have less need to visit mineral-rich clay licks as frequently.
This does not mean that macaws completely disappear from the area.
They are still living and feeding throughout the rainforest, but the number of individuals gathering at the clay lick can be much lower than during the peak months.

Where Are Macaw Clay Licks Located?

Macaw clay licks are usually found along riverbanks and exposed cliffs beside Amazonian rivers.
However, not every riverbank is a clay lick.
Only certain locations contain the combination of minerals and soil characteristics that attract large numbers of parrots and macaws.
For this reason, macaw clay licks are relatively special and localized places within the rainforest.
Some established clay licks can be visited from observation points or hides located at a safe distance, allowing travelers to watch the birds without disturbing their natural behavior.

What Happens at a Macaw Clay Lick?

The experience normally begins early in the morning.
Macaws first arrive in the surrounding forest and tall trees. Sometimes they remain there for quite a while, calling loudly and watching the area.
Gradually, more parrots and macaws may arrive.
When the birds feel safe, some begin flying down toward the exposed clay wall. Eventually, groups may gather directly on the clay to consume small amounts of soil.
The combination of colorful birds, loud calls and untouched Amazon rainforest makes this one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Manu.

Is September to March the Best Period?

If seeing macaws at a clay lick is one of the main goals of your trip, September through March is generally one of the best periods to visit.
Macaw activity can also be good from late July and throughout August as the seasonal pattern begins to change.
Nevertheless, every year is different. Rainfall, river levels, fruiting cycles and local weather conditions can influence the behavior of the birds.
Nature in Manu follows its own rhythm.

A Wildlife Experience You Cannot Fully Predict

One of the most important things to understand before visiting Manu is that these are completely wild macaws.
There are no feeding stations and the birds are not trained to appear for visitors.
Some mornings the clay lick can be extremely active, with many macaws and parrots arriving together. On other mornings, the birds may remain in the surrounding trees or visit only briefly.
This unpredictability is also what makes the experience so special.
Watching wild macaws gathering naturally in one of the most biodiverse rainforests on Earth is an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of exploring Manu National Park in Peru.

Visit The Macaw Clay Licks of Manu

For travelers interested in wildlife, photography and Amazonian birdlife, visiting a macaw clay lick can be one of the highlights of a journey through Manu.

Choosing the right itinerary and the right season can greatly increase your opportunities to witness this extraordinary natural spectacle.

At Green Amazon Tours Peru, our local naturalist guides explore the Manu rainforest throughout the year and use their field experience to give travelers the best possible opportunities to observe macaws and other Amazonian wildlife in their natural habitat.