Ara severa ........................................................................By Gideon Scheepers

Description

Severe macaws are green with a chestnut colour to the frontal band on the forehead. The bill is black and the iris is orange. They have dark grey feet and grow to about 46 cm - 48 cm, these are regarded the largest of the small macaws

 

 

Range & Habitat

Severe's are from Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and eastern Peru to northern Bolivia. They prefer open forests, meadow woodland, gallery forest, savannah with adjacent forest and the edges of rainforest. Usually seen in small groups of 3 to 15 birds outside the breeding season.

 

 

 

Housing in Aviculture

They are happy in just about any type of aviary , be it suspended or conventional , the male becomes aggressive in breeding season so an attached nestbox with outside access is advisable. As is strong mesh as they will tear an aviary apart. They need secure perches as they enjoy chewing and ripping the bark off .

 

 

 

Breeding in Aviculture

They are not that easy to breed , but once the pair is established , they will nest regularly year in and year out. At the onset of the breeding season the male becomes aggressive and will attack the keeper. The hen will lay a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs, and will incubate them alone for 26 days. The young will fledge at around 12 weeks of age.

Mutations

I know of no mutations. If you are in possesion of any mutation macaws please contact me at info@thomasriver.co.za.

 

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