Guacamaya Cariseca
Chestnut-fronted Macaw
Ara severus
Song
Chestnut-fronted Macaw
Appearance: The Chestnut-fronted Macaw is a medium-sized macaw, measuring about 48 cm (19 inches) in length, including its long tail. It features green plumage with a chestnut-colored patch on its forehead and around its eyes, which gives it its name. The wings and tail feathers have blue edges, and the undersides of the wings are a striking yellow. The face is mostly bare and white with fine lines of small black feathers. It has a strong, curved beak that is black, and its eyes are surrounded by bare white skin, with the irises being yellow.
Habitat: The Chestnut-fronted Macaw inhabits a range of environments, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and open woodlands. It is found near rivers and in swampy areas. It is found in lowland regions and foothills, especially in the Amazon basin and other forested areas.
Behavior: This species is social and seen in pairs or small flocks. Larger groups form when food is abundant. Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. They are known for their strong beaks, which are adept at cracking open hard shells. Known for their loud and harsh calls, Chestnut-fronted Macaws are vocal birds, using calls to communicate within flocks and establish territory.
Breeding: Its breeding occurs in the dry season. They nest in tree cavities, which they may excavate themselves or use existing ones. The female usually lays 2 to 3 eggs, which she incubates for about 26–28 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which occurs around 10–12 weeks after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Chestnut-fronted Macaw is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
The Chestnut-fronted Macaw also known as the Severe Macaw, is found in various regions across Colombia. Its distribution is primarily within tropical and subtropical areas, where it inhabits forests, woodlands, and savannas. Here are some key regions where the chestnut-fronted macaw is typically found: The basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, the Pacific region, Andean foothills and in the Caribbean region.
Taxonomy
The Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Ara
- Species: Ara severus
Vocalization
Chestnut-fronted Macaws use vocalizations to communicate with each other. These sounds can convey various messages, such as warnings of danger, calls to gather, or signals of comfort and companionship among flock members.
Social Interaction: Vocalizations are crucial for maintaining social bonds within flocks. They help macaws identify each other and can be used to reinforce social hierarchies or pair bonds, especially during breeding season.
Territorial Calls: These macaws may use loud calls to establish and defend their territory. The vocalizations warn other macaws to stay away from their nesting or feeding areas.
Mating Calls: During the breeding season, Chestnut-fronted Macaws might use specific calls to attract mates or to communicate with their partners. These calls can be part of courtship rituals.
Alarm Calls: When a potential threat is detected, these macaws can emit alarm calls to alert other members of the flock. This helps in coordinating evasive actions or in mobbing a predator.
