Red-and-green macaw
Scientific name: Ara chloropterus
IUCN status: Least concern
Habitat
The Red-and-green macaw lives in the wild in the heart of South America. This bird species can be found in the vast rainforests of Brazil, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and other countries. The Red-and-green macaw feels most at home in humid tropical forests, where it lives in the trees.
Diet
This colorful parrot is a herbivore. Its diet consists of nuts, seeds, (unripe) fruits, and leaves. Because unripe fruits contain toxic substances, the Red-and-green macaw regularly visits clay walls and salt areas. The clay neutralizes the toxins and thus helps protect the stomach. Clever, isn’t it?
Natural behavior
The Red-and-green macaw is active during the day. In the morning, the bird searches for food, clay walls, and salt areas together with its partner or group. In the evening, the bird sleeps with its family group, partner, or small flock in dense vegetation. They huddle close together in the trees, which provides warmth and safety. If the bird senses danger, it will warn the others with a loud call and fly away.
Role in nature
The Red-and-green macaw plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and the health of the ecosystem. By eating and spreading seeds, the bird contributes to the growth of new trees and plants in the rainforest.
In a healthy ecosystem, predators ensure a natural balance. The eggs and young serve as a delicious meal for predators. In ideal circumstances, this would ensure that the ecosystem remains in balance. Humans have caused the ecosystem to become unbalanced. The population of the Red-and-green macaw is declining because both predators and humans hunt the Red-and-green macaws (and their eggs and young).