A striking and rare species of parrot found only in a small region of south-central Bolivia. With its vibrant mix of colors and playful personality, this bird is a true gem of the Andes. As its name suggests, the red-fronted macaw has a bright red patch on its forehead, along with vivid green feathers covering most of its body, blue flight feathers, and flashes of orange-red on the bend of its wings and under its tail. Its bare patch of facial skin, typical of macaws, is decorated with tiny black feathers, giving it a somewhat expressive, almost human look.

Unlike many other macaws that live in rainforests, the red-fronted macaw has adapted to dry, semi-arid habitats, including rocky canyons and scrubby valleys. It prefers cliffside nesting spots and open areas with scattered trees, where it feeds on seeds, fruits, nuts, and even local cactus plants. These macaws are strong flyers, and their loud, screeching calls often echo through the canyon walls as they fly in small groups or pairs. They are social and intelligent birds, often seen interacting with one another using vocalizations, playful behavior, and mutual preening.

One of the most fascinating things about the red-fronted macaw is that it’s both rare and endangered. With fewer than 1,000 individuals estimated in the wild, it is one of the most threatened macaws on the planet. The main reasons for its decline are habitat loss, conflict with local farmers, and illegal capture for the pet trade. These birds are sometimes seen as pests because they feed on crops like corn, which has led to tension with communities living near their habitat.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bolivia

600-800

Official estimate

CR

2021