Chestnut-fronted Macaw
The Chestnut-fronted Macaw, also known as the Severe Macaw, is a colorful and charismatic bird. This species sports a green body, with a distinctive chestnut patch on its forehead, lending it its common name. The wings and tail feature a brilliant blue, while the area around the eyes is adorned with a white, featherless patch, enhancing their expressive eyes.
This medium-sized macaw is one of the more widespread species found in Central and South America, ranging from eastern Panama to Colombia, east to the Guianas and Trinidad, and south to Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. Its preferred habitats include forest edges, woodlands, and savannahs, often near water.
Chestnut-fronted Macaws are known for their sociable nature. They form strong pair bonds and are often seen in small flocks, which become quite noisy at communal roosts. Their diet is diverse, including fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are also known to visit clay licks to consume soil, which helps neutralize toxins from their diet.
While not as critically endangered as some of their macaw relatives, habitat loss and capture for the pet trade threaten their populations. Conservation efforts are essential to protect their natural habitats and ensure their long-term survival.