Also known as the chestnut macaw, the severe macaw is one of the largest ‘mini-macaws’. They are around 40-45 cm (16-18 inches) long, including the tail, which is about half their length. They live in South America, from southern Panama to Amazonian Brazil and northern Bolivia.
Both sexes are monomorphic, which means that they are identical in appearance. A DNA test must be done to identify the gender. The severes are mostly green in color, with a blue crown, a brown forehead band and chin. The flight feathers are blue and the tail has a reddish brown underside. The carpal edges are red and the iris in sexually mature birds is orange.
As companion pets
The severe macaw closely resembles large macaws when it comes to intelligence and childish personality. They play like parrots.
They are very sociable, playful, affectionate and generally enjoy being petted. They are quite vocal and like to climb and hang upside down. Severe Macaws are quite intelligent and many owners have successfully bath-trained their birds.
Severes need proper items to chew on as they can be destructive if bored. They also tend to enjoy ropes for swinging. Do not provide toys designed for small birds, as they are not strong enough to handle a Severe’s beak. Like many birds, they love baths and showers.
If you want a severe macaw as a pet bird, it is best to acquire a hand-reared individual. If socialized well at a young age, Severes tend to be quite sociable and not a one-person bird, however they will have a favorite person. Like all parrots, they need quality time outside of their cage every day.
Diet and health
Macaws have a higher fat requirement compared to other species of parrots. A high level of fat (usually in the form of nuts) must also be accompanied by an adequate level of dietary protein for fat to be properly metabolized.
A good diet for severe macaws consists of commercial parrot seeds, nuts, vegetables, fruits, and granules.
Its lifespan is listed between 30 and 80 years, but it is generally considered to be 40 years.
Interesting data
* There are no established mutations of this species, however a color has appeared in a female, labeled ‘red pied’. The bird has not yet reproduced.
* Severe macaws are the only mini-macaws that have feather lines on the bare patches of their face.
