Chestnut-fronted Macaw

About

The Chestnut-fronted Macaw, also known as the Severe Macaw, is a medium-sized macaw native to northern South America. It is characterized by its predominantly green plumage, a distinctive chestnut-brown band across its forehead, and bare white facial patches. It is known for its intelligence, social behavior, and loud vocalizations.

Size & lifespan

Length

45-50 cm (18-20 in)

Wingspan

76-84 cm (30-33 in)

Weight

300-410 g (10.6-14.5 oz)

Lifespan

Up to 30 years in the wild, 50+ years in captivity

Diet

Herbivore (frugivore, granivore, florivore)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly green plumage. The forehead and a narrow band above the cere are chestnut-brown. The crown and nape are green. The primary coverts and outer webs of the primary flight feathers are blue. The underwing coverts and flight feathers are olive-yellow. The lower back and rump are green. The tail feathers are reddish-brown at the base, becoming blue towards the tip, with green outer webs. The underside of the tail is dull yellow.

Beak shape

Large, powerful, and strongly hooked. The upper mandible is blackish-grey, and the lower mandible is horn-colored with a blackish tip.

Eye color

Yellowish-orange with a dark pupil, surrounded by a bare white facial patch that may show fine lines of small black feathers.

Leg color

Dark grey to blackish

Distinguishing features

The most distinctive features are the chestnut-brown band on the forehead and the bare white facial patches. The blue on the primary coverts and flight feathers is also a key identifier in flight.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but have shorter tails, duller plumage, and often a darker iris (brownish-grey) that gradually lightens to yellow-orange with age. The chestnut frontal band may be less pronounced.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are monomorphic, meaning they look identical in plumage and size.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Overall Color

   Medium-sized macaw, predominantly green. This distinguishes it from larger 'true' macaws and smaller parakeets.

2. 2

   Forehead Color

   Look for the distinct chestnut-brown band across the forehead, which gives it its common name. This is a primary field mark.

3. 3

   Facial Patch

   Observe the bare white facial skin, which may have fine lines of small black feathers. This is typical of macaws but combined with the chestnut forehead is diagnostic.

4. 4

   Bill Color

   Note the two-toned bill: blackish-grey upper mandible and horn-colored lower mandible with a black tip.

5. 5

   Flight Feathers

   In flight, the blue primary coverts and outer webs of the primary flight feathers are visible, contrasting with the green body.

6. 6

   Vocalizations

   Listen for its loud, harsh, guttural screeches and squawks, especially when flying or in groups.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, savannas, gallery forests, and forest edges.

Geographic range

Northern South America, including southeastern Panama, Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northern Bolivia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil.

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with tall trees for roosting and nesting, often near rivers or other water sources. Can be found in disturbed areas and agricultural lands adjacent to forests.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Feeds primarily on a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and occasionally insects and their larvae. They use their powerful beaks to crack open hard shells. Often forages in the canopy.

Social behavior

Highly social birds, typically seen in pairs or small family groups. They may gather in larger flocks at communal roosting sites or abundant food sources. They are monogamous and form strong pair bonds.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct, and purposeful flight with relatively shallow wing beats. Often flies in pairs or small groups, maintaining contact with loud calls.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements. May undertake local movements in search of food.

Territoriality

Pairs defend their nesting sites, but foraging flocks are generally tolerant of other macaws.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, but generally between December and May in most parts of its range, coinciding with the dry season or early wet season.

Nesting habits

Nests in natural tree cavities, often in tall, dead palms or other large trees. They do not add nesting material, laying eggs directly on the wood debris at the bottom of the cavity.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs

Egg description

Typically 2-4 white, elliptical eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 26-28 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 70-80 days after hatching. They remain dependent on their parents for several weeks to months after fledging.

Parental care

Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young. The male often feeds the incubating female.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. Their loud calls often betray their presence before they are seen. Listen for harsh screeches, especially at dawn and dusk.
2. Scan Tree Canopies. They spend much of their time in the upper canopy of tall trees, so scan carefully with binoculars.
3. Look for Feeding Activity. Observe fruiting trees; macaws are often found feeding in groups. Look for discarded fruit pieces or shells below.
4. Visit Roosting Sites. If known, visiting communal roosting sites at dawn or dusk can provide excellent views as they leave or return.
5. Patience and Stealth. Like many parrots, they can be wary. Approach quietly and observe from a distance to avoid disturbing them.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Severe Macaw

Scientific Name:

Ara severus

Family:

Psittacidae (Parrots)

Size:

Medium-sized macaw (45-50 cm)

Diet:

Fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers

Habitat:

Tropical forests, woodlands, savannas

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Social Behavior:

Highly social, often in pairs or small flocks

Fun facts

• Despite its common name 'Severe Macaw', it is considered one of the more docile and less aggressive macaws in captivity, though still capable of a powerful bite.
• They are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, making them popular as pets, though their loud calls can be challenging.
• Like many parrots, they often visit clay licks (geophagical sites) to ingest minerals and neutralize toxins from their diet.
• Their powerful beaks are perfectly adapted for cracking open the hard shells of nuts and seeds, which form a significant part of their diet.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittacidae

Genus

Ara

Species

Ara severus

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