Red-fronted Macaw

Scientific name: Ara rubrogenys

Distribution:
   Like Blue-Throated Macaws, the Red-fronted Macaws are also found in a very small geographic region. They are native to southern central Bolivia between the cities of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba where the habit consists of arid scrub lands and dry sparse trees in the higher elevations, water is scarce.
   Though there is mention of them in older texts as having been observed as early as 1970, they were first thought to be a simple hybrid between a Blue and Gold and a Military. They became known in aviculture as a definite species in the mid 1970's, becoming more readily available in the early 1980's.
   The Red-fronted Macaws have a very small natural distribution in the wild and are threatened with extinction. Though they are still rather rare, they have proven to be prolific breeders in captivity and are becoming more widely established and available as a pet.

Description:
   The Red-fronted Macaw, also known as the Red-cheeked Macaw or Lafresnaye's Macaw, is the smallest of the large macaws. They are fairly light green, with more intense green on the head and neck. They have red on the forehead, crown and a spot behind the eye, thus the common names; Red-fronted and Red-cheeked. The bend of the wing and along the front edges are an orange-red. The outer feathers of the wing are a gray blue and the tail is olive green with a blue tip. They have a smaller white to pinkish naked facial area, with the faint brown cheek feather tracings being restricted to just under the eye. The legs are dark gray, the beak is a gray-black, and the eye is orange.
    A younger bird under six months old (like Polo in the picture above) will be missing the red crown and the orangish red feathers on the wing edge. They also have orange under their wings and red on the legs.

Size - Weight:
   Though a full sized macaw, the Red-fronted Macaw is the smallest of the large macaws. These birds are about 24 inches (61 cm) in length.

Care and feeding:
   A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. The Red-fronted Macaw is an avid chewer and should be provided with plenty of natural branches and wooden toys.
   In the wild they they live in a rather inhospitable mountainous environment, dry desert scrub lands moving into sparse woodlands at the higher elevations, and water is scarce. They have been observed feeding on corn and peanuts at small local farms, cactus fruits and several native fruits. They eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, commercial pellets, insects and larvae.
   See About Macaws: Housing and About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
      These birds are fun little clowns, love to play around, and can be quite mischievous. Red-fronted macaws are lovable, friendly, and intelligent. They can be quite loud, being especially loud when anticipating interaction with you. They will also mirror your moods, so if you are agitated, they can become agitated. If you are happy and loving, well so is your pet. They are a very social bird and enjoy the company of their flock or of a mate as well. They love to dig in the dirt and are quite inquisitive. .
   See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Red-fronted Macaw was first bred in captivity in 1978, 1981 in the United States, and are found to be prolific breeders. The usual clutch consists of two to four eggs which incubate for about 26 days. The babies will fledge after about 3 months in the nest. Feed the parents additional high-fat seeds, like sunflower seed, during the breeding season. The young will also require a high-fat diet as well as additional protein.
   See About Macaws: Breeding/Reproduction for information on breeding.

Sexual differences: No visible differences.

Potential Problems:
   See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:
   Red-fronted Macaws, though still rather rare, are becoming more available due to successful captive breeding. Though once they were among the most expensive of the macaws they are less expensive now, more in line with the readily available species.