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Photo: © Luiz Matos eBird S52049344 Macaulay Library ML 137323001
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Red-bellied Macaw

Orthopsittaca manilatus
Guacamaya Buchirroja
map-colombia-red-bellied-macaw
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Song

Red-bellied Macaw

Appearance: The Red-bellied Macaw is small for a macaw, measuring about 46 cm (18 in) in length. It has a green plumage. The most distinctive feature is its red belly, which gives the bird its name. The wings and tail are also green, with some blue on the wings. It has a large, powerful black beak. The facial skin is bare and white, which is typical for macaws. The tail is long and pointed, characteristic of many macaw species.
Habitat: The Red-bellied Macaw is found in tropical regions of Colombia. This macaw prefers palm-dominated habitats, especially areas with Moriche Palms (Mauritia flexuosa), which are crucial for its diet. It inhabits swamps, river edges, and floodplains where these palms are abundant.
Behavior: Its strong beak is adapted to crack open the hard nuts of these palms. These macaws are social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are known for their loud calls, which help them maintain contact with each other. They are strong fliers and can cover long distances in search of food.
Breeding: Red-bellied Macaws nest in tree cavities, often in palm trees. They may also use abandoned woodpecker holes. The female lays two to four eggs. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The breeding season varies depending on the region but coincides with the availability of food resources.
Conservation Status: The Red-bellied Macaw is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

The Red-bellied Macaw is found in the eastern half of the country from the department of Putumayo up north to Casanare. It Includes the Amazon and the Orinoco basins. They inhabit lowland tropical rainforests, particularly favoring areas with abundant Mauritia palm trees, essential to their diet and nesting habits. They are found in swampy areas, river edges, and flooded forests.

Taxonomy

The Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Orthopsittaca
  • Species: Orthopsittaca manilatus

Vocalization

Red-bellied Macaws are known for their distinctive vocalizations and behaviors that serve various purposes. Here are some key aspects of their vocalizations and their purposes:

Communication: Like many parrots, Red-bellied Macaws use vocalizations to communicate with each other. Their calls can include a range of sounds such as squawks, screeches, and whistles. These vocalizations help maintain group cohesion, when flying in flocks or when foraging.

Alarm Calls: They use specific alarm calls to alert other members of their group to potential dangers or predators. These calls can prompt the flock to take flight or become more vigilant.
Mating and Courtship: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a role in courtship and pair bonding. Males may use calls to attract females or to establish and maintain pair bonds with their mates.

Territoriality: While Red-bellied Macaws are not highly territorial compared to some other bird species, vocalizations can still serve to establish presence in a particular area, especially during the breeding season.
Social Interactions: Vocalizations are an integral part of their social interactions, helping to establish social hierarchies and facilitate interactions within the flock.