Chestnut-fronted Macaw

Overview

The chestnut-fronted macaw, also known as the severe macaw (Ara severus), is one of the largest of the mini-macaws. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Mostly green plumage with patches of red and blue on the wings, and a distinctive chestnut brown patch above the beak.
• Black beak with white bare patches around the eyes that feature lines of small black feathers, a trait unique among miniature macaws.
• Measures 45–50 cm in length, roughly half of which is the tail, and weighs 300–410 g.

Habitat

Found across northern South America, ranging from Panama south into Amazonian Brazil and central Bolivia. A feral population is also established in Florida.

Did you know?

The genus name Ara is an onomatopoeia based on the sound of the bird's call. The specific epithet severus is Latin for 'grim' or 'cruel', reflecting the bird's tendency to become more aggressive at puberty.