Chestnut-fronted Macaw

The Chestnut-fronted Macaw, also known as the Severe Macaw, is one of the smaller members of the macaw group, with predominantly green plumage that turns bluish on the flight feathers and tail. A small patch of brownish-chestnut feathers marks the forehead, while the underside of the tail and flight feathers glow a warm reddish color, most visible when the bird is in flight overhead.

The bare facial skin is pale and crossed by narrow lines of tiny dark feathers, giving the face a delicately patterned look at close range. Typically encountered in pairs or small noisy flocks, it forages in forest edge and semi-open woodland, frequently commuting to and from communal roosts in loud, chattering groups at dawn and dusk.

Key field marks

• Small macaw, mostly green with a bluish tint to flight feathers and tail
• Small chestnut-brown patch on the forehead
• Reddish underside to the tail and flight feathers, visible in flight
• Pale bare face lined with fine dark feather markings

Similar species

• Chestnut-fronted Macaw can be confused with smaller macaws like the Red-shouldered Macaw, which is much smaller with a shorter tail and lacks the chestnut forehead patch.
• Larger green macaws such as the Military Macaw are considerably bigger with a red forehead band rather than chestnut, and a much longer tail.

Habitat

Inhabits forest edge, gallery forest, savanna woodland, and cultivated areas with scattered trees.

Range

Found across much of northern and central South America, including the Amazon basin and parts of Panama.

Migration

Non-migratory, though flocks may move locally in search of fruiting trees.

Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, often flying between feeding areas and communal roosts at dawn and dusk with loud, chattering calls.

Voice

Harsh, raucous squawking calls, generally higher-pitched and less resonant than those of the larger macaw species.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on seeds, nuts, fruit, and flowers, foraging in the canopy of forest edge and semi-open habitats.

Nesting

Nests in tree cavities, sometimes in abandoned termite mounds or old woodpecker holes; lays 2-3 white eggs.