The New Neotropical Companion

The most spectacular Neotropical parrots are the
19 macaw species, especially the larger species. These
long- tailed parrots with bare skin on their faces range
in plumage from the predominantly green Chestnut-
fronted (Ara severus), Military (A. militaris), and
Great Green (A. ambiguus), to the bright red Scarlet
(A. macao), and Red- and- green (A. chloropterus), to
the brilliant Blue- and- yellow (A. ararauna), and the
deep indigo blue of the Hyacinth (Anodorhynchus
hyacinthinus; plate 15- 60).
Macaws are most commonly seen flying to and from
their roosting and feeding sites. Their slow wing beats and
long tails make them distinctive in flight (plate 15- 61).
Many macaws frequent gallery forests along
watercourses or humid forests interrupted by open
areas. They feed heavily on palm nuts, their huge bills
being fully capable of crushing these dense fruits.

Parrots are exceedingly intelligent and social and live

long lives, some surviving for 60 or more years. They

form strong pair bonds and reinforce these bonds

rather as primates do, by allopreening (plate 15- 62).

One bird will preen another and expect reciprocation.

This behavior is similar to that of monkey and ape

groups that practice constant mutual grooming.

Social bonding in various parrot species is among the

strongest exhibited by any group of animals.

The vast majority of parrots are cavity nesters and

require some sort of tree cavity in which to lay eggs

(plate 15- 63). Both parents are fully involved in tending

the young birds to the point of fledging.

Unfortunately, 42 species, or about 30% of the

Neotropical parrot species, are considered to be at

some risk of extinction, principally from habitat loss

and/or the pet trade. One of the most threatened

Plate 15- 63. Hyacinth Macaw emerging from nest cavity.

Photo by John Kricher.

Plate 15- 62. Blue- and- yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna)
allopreening. Photo by Andrew Whittaker.

Plate 15- 61. A Scarlet Macaw pair in flight. Photo by Sean

Williams.

Plate 15- 60. Hyacinth Macaw, the largest species of flying
parrot in the world. Photo by John Kricher.

284 chapter 15 neotropical birds: the bustling crowd