Guacamaya Rojiverde
Red-and-Green Macaw
Ara chloropterus
Song
Red-and-Green Macaw
Appearance: The Red-and-Green Macaw has a bright red forehead, a green back and wings, and a yellow band spanning across its wings. The tail is elongated and features a mix of red and blue, while its face is white with bare patches around the eyes. This macaw can grow up to 94 cm (37 in) in length, making it one of the larger macaw species.
Habitat: This species inhabits tropical rainforests those near rivers and along the edges of swamp forests and savannas. They are often found in areas wirh food sources, like fruiting trees. The Red-and-Green Macaw resides in the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Region and in the Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales).
Behavior: The Red-and-Green Macaws are known for their intelligence and strong social bonds, often found in pairs or small flocks. Their diet consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and berries. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open hard-shelled nuts. These macaws are known for their loud vocalizations.
Breeding: Breeding occurs during the dry season. The female lays two to four eggs in tree cavities, where both parents participate in incubation, which lasts about 25-30 days. After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents and fledge after about 90-100 days. Parental care continues for several months until they gain independence.
Conservation Status: The Red-and-Green Macaw is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Amazon Region: In the departments of Amazonas, Guaviare, and Caquetá. This region features extensive tropical rainforests and wetlands, providing ideal habitats rich in fruits and nuts, which are essential for the macaw’s diet.
Orinoco Region: Departments of Meta, and Casanare. The Orinoquía is characterized by savannas and scattered forests, supports smaller populations of Red-and-Green Macaws due to the presence of suitable tree species.
Northern Pacific Region: The rainforests of Chocó along the Pacific coast present abundant food resources, making this another key habitat for the species.
Caribbean Region: Bolívar, and Sucre Departments. Some coastal areas also host populations.
Taxonomy
The Red and Green Macaw (Ara chloropterus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Ara
- Species: Ara chloropterus
Vocalization
Squawks and Screeches: The Red and Green Macaw is known for its loud and piercing squawks. These calls can be heard over long distances and are used for communication between individuals in dense forest environments.
Contact Calls: Used to keep in touch with other macaws when they are flying or foraging. These calls are a series of short, repetitive notes that help maintain group cohesion.
Alarm Calls: When threatened or startled, they emit loud, sharp calls to alert others of potential danger. These calls are more urgent and can vary in intensity depending on the perceived threat.
Chattering: In more relaxed settings, such as when perched or interacting with mates, Red and Green Macaws may produce softer chattering sounds. These vocalizations are part of their social interactions and bonding.
Trills and Whistles: They produce trills and whistles which are often part of their more complex vocal repertoire. These sounds are used during courtship or other social interactions.
