Chestnut-fronted Macaw

Ara severus

Introduction

The chestnut-fronted macaw (Ara severus), also known as the severe macaw, is a medium-sized macaw found across much of northern South America. Although smaller than many other members of its genus, it is renowned for its intelligence, powerful voice and highly social nature.

Its predominantly green plumage provides excellent camouflage among the tropical forests it inhabits, giving it a far more discreet appearance than many people associate with macaws.

WEIGHT
Between 285g and 387g

DIET
Herbivorous

ORIGIN

Panama and northern and central South America

INCUBATION
28 days

WEIGHT
Between 285g and 387g

DIET
Herbivorous

ORIGIN
Panama and northern and central South America

INCUBATION
28 days

Physical characteristics

The chestnut-fronted macaw is predominantly bright green, with blue feathers on the wings and tail, while reddish markings beneath the wings become visible in flight. Distinctive features include its dark chestnut forehead and cream-white bare facial skin, crossed by fine lines of dark feathers.

In addition, its strong black bill is perfectly adapted for cracking hard seeds and nuts. Like many macaws, it also produces loud, far-reaching calls, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Diet

Its diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, flowers, shoots and bark. It also feeds on agricultural crops, including maize and a variety of cultivated fruit trees.

Lifestyle

This is a diurnal species that is most often seen at first light or towards evening as it travels between its communal roosts and feeding areas. It typically forages in the upper canopy of tall trees.

Outside the breeding season, chestnut-fronted macaws are usually encountered in pairs or small groups, although several flocks may gather at communal roosting sites, where larger numbers provide greater protection from predators.

They form strong pair bonds and are considered primarily monogamous. This is a resident species that remains within its range throughout the year.

Reproduction

The chestnut-fronted macaw nests in natural tree cavities, particularly within the trunks of dead palms. A typical clutch consists of two or three eggs, which are incubated for approximately 28 days. Chicks hatch with only sparse down and remain in the nest for around 63 days before taking their first flight.

Distribution and habitat

The chestnut-fronted macaw ranges from Panama and Colombia southwards into Brazil, occurring in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

It inhabits a wide variety of environments, including tropical rainforest, gallery forest, palm groves, swamp forest, seasonally flooded várzea forest, fragmented woodland and savanna habitats. It is most commonly found from sea level to around 1,000 metres above sea level, although it has been recorded at elevations of up to 1,500 metres in Ecuador.

Its extensive distribution reflects its remarkable adaptability, as it is capable of thriving in a broad range of habitats, including areas modified by human activity. Even so, it shows a clear preference for habitats associated with rivers and other freshwater environments.

Threats to the Population

According to the IUCN, the chestnut-fronted macaw is classified as Least Concern (LC), although its population trend is decreasing.

The principal threats facing the species include:

Habitat loss and degradation caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Forest fires and the deliberate burning of woodland.
Illegal capture for the pet trade, particularly in parts of South America.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List status: Least Concern (LC)
Population trend: Decreasing

Photos of the Chestnut-fronted macaw

Ara severo en rama mirando a la derecha con sol de tarde

Ara severo desde detrás sentado en una rama

Interesting facts about the Chestnut-fronted macaw

A master of camouflage

Unlike many more colourful macaws, its green plumage allows it to blend seamlessly into the forest canopy, making it remarkably difficult to spot among the foliage.

A face that changes colour

The bare skin on its face can develop pinkish or reddish tones when the bird is excited, alert or emotionally stimulated, a relatively unusual feature among birds.

Communal roosts

Although chestnut-fronted macaws are generally seen in pairs or small groups during the day, many individuals from different groups gather at large communal roosts each evening, benefiting from greater protection against predators.

How we help conserve macaws

As an animal embassy, Loro Parque takes part in international programmes dedicated to the conservation and breeding of threatened parrots. Through Loro Parque Fundación, we contribute to research, conservation and environmental education projects, helping to safeguard threatened species while raising awareness of the challenges they face.

If you would like to play an active role in protecting threatened wildlife, you can join our sponsorship programme by adopting an animal and directly supporting conservation projects.

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