Red-fronted Macaw
Ara rubrogenys
A large and sometimes conspicuous macaw of Bolivia’s interandean dry valleys. This species is critically endangered, but can sometimes be locally common, especially near tall cliffs cut in hillsides by rivers. Often forages in and around agriculture. The only large, green macaw in its range. Fairly similar to Military Macaw, but shows orange fold to leading edge of wing, no bare facial skin, and a dark gray bill. Often noticed by loud, raucous voice.
Identification
The red-fronted macaw is 55–60 cm (21.5–23.5 in) long. It is mostly green, and has a red forehead, a red patch over the ears and bright red to orange edged under wing coverts. It has an area of pinkish skin around the eyes extending to the beak. It has red at the bend of wings and blue primary wing feathers.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ara rubrogenys
- Authority
- Lafresnaye, 1847
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Ara
Range and habitat
The red-fronted macaw is native to a small mountainous area of south-central Bolivia situated about 200 km west of Santa Cruz, in the department of the same name, where the climate is medium altitude semi-desert. The natural vegetation consists mostly of cactus (large and small) and thorny trees and scrub. The climate is semi arid with cold nights and hot days. Rain comes in infrequent heavy storms. It is unusual in that it is the only macaw to inhabit such a climatic zone. Most macaws nest in holes in large trees, however here there are no very large trees in its range so it nests in vertical fissures in cliff faces. The bird has been captured for the pet trade in the past and killed by local farmers because it raids their crops.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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