About Ara severus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomy and Common Names
Ara severus (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly called the chestnut-fronted macaw or severe macaw, is mostly green, with red and blue patches on its wings.
Head Plumage
It has a chestnut brown patch located just above the beak on its head.
Facial and Beak Features
Its beak is black, and the patches surrounding its eyes are white, marked with lines of small black feathers.
Distinguishing Trait
This species is the only miniature macaw that has lines of feathers within the bare patches around its eyes.
Etymology of Common Name
In the wild, this typically gregarious bird becomes more aggressive when it reaches puberty, which is how it got the common name "severe macaw".
Captivity Care Notes
This aggressive tendency can be controlled when the bird is kept in captivity, but the species needs regular, significant handling to become a tame pet.
Size and Weight
Adult individuals are 45–50 cm (17.5–19.5 in) long, and weigh between 300–410 g (11–14 oz).
