About Ara rubrogenys Lafresnaye, 1847
The red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogenys Lafresnaye, 1847) measures 55–60 cm (21.5–23.5 in) in total length. Its plumage is mostly green, with distinct red markings: a red forehead, a red patch over the ears, bright red to orange edging on the under wing coverts, and red at the bend of the wings. It has pinkish bare skin that surrounds the eyes and extends to the beak, and its primary wing feathers are blue. This macaw is native to a small, mountainous, medium-altitude semi-desert area in south-central Bolivia, located roughly 200 km west of Santa Cruz within Santa Cruz Department. Its natural habitat is dominated by cacti (both large and small), thorny trees, and scrub. The climate is semi-arid, with cold nights, hot days, and infrequent heavy rain storms. This species is unique among macaws, as it is the only macaw that lives in this type of climatic zone. Unlike most macaws, which nest in holes in large trees, the red-fronted macaw has no very large trees available in its range, so it instead nests in vertical fissures in cliff faces. In the past, this bird was captured for the pet trade, and it has also been killed by local farmers because it raids their crops.
