The red-fronted macaw is a parrot endemic to a small semi-desert mountainous area of Bolivia. It is a critically endangered species; it has been successfully bred in captivity, and is available, if not common, as a pet. It is also sometimes known in the literature as Lafresnaye's macaw, named for the French ornithologist Frédéric de Lafresnaye, who was one of the first to describe the species.
Region
Bolivian Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the inter-Andean dry valleys of central-southern Bolivia, where semi-arid thorn scrub, dry deciduous woodland, and cactus-studded slopes dominate. It nests and roosts on rugged cliffs and canyon walls, using crevices and ledges for colony sites. Birds forage across scrubby hillsides and agricultural mosaics, including maize and peanut fields. Riparian corridors and valley floors provide movement routes between feeding and nesting areas.
Altitude Range
1100–2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-fronted macaw is a Bolivian endemic that nests on steep cliffs in dry inter-Andean valleys. It often forages in cactus scrub and farmlands, which can lead to conflict when it raids maize and peanut crops. Conservation programs have used nest protection and community-based incentives to reduce persecution, and the species breeds successfully in captivity. It is also known as Lafresnaye's macaw, honoring French ornithologist Frédéric de Lafresnaye.
At Jurong Bird Park, Singapore
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats; occasionally soars along cliffs
Social Behavior
Forms long-term pair bonds and nests colonially on cliff faces, where pairs use crevices and ledges. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small to medium flocks and roosts communally on cliffs. Birds maintain contact with loud calls and show coordinated movements between feeding grounds and roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, rasping screeches and rolling squawks that carry across valleys. Contact calls are repeated and piercing, while roost chatter includes a mix of grating notes and softer growls.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a vivid red forehead and front of the crown, and a red patch on the bend of the wing; flight feathers show bluish tones and the tail has bluish tips. The face has pale bare skin crossed by fine dark feather lines.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, fruits, and pods from dry-forest trees and cacti, along with nuts and occasional flowers or young shoots. It readily exploits seasonally abundant cactus fruits and thorny scrub resources. Birds also forage in croplands, particularly for maize and peanuts, which has historically caused conflict with farmers.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in semi-arid scrub and dry woodland with abundant columnar cacti and thorn trees. It also uses agricultural edges, orchards, and field margins near nesting cliffs.
