Diopsittaca nobilis
The Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis), also known as Hahn's Macaw (referring to the nominate subspecies), is the smallest true macaw, presenting a vibrant green plumage offset by distinctive red patches on the leading edge of its underwings and sometimes on the shoulders, giving it its common name. Measuring a modest 30-34 cm (12-13.5 inches) in length and weighing between 120-170 grams, it possesses a proportionately large, pale horn-colored bill, a bare white patch around the eyes,...
This species thrives in lowland tropical and subtropical environments, favoring savannas, open woodlands, gallery forests along waterways, and palm groves, typically found below 800 meters elevation. They show a preference for areas with scattered trees and access to water.
Their diet primarily consists of a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and flowers, foraged almost exclusively from the canopy of trees and shrubs using their strong, hooked bills.
Red-shouldered Macaws are highly social and diurnal birds, spending their days foraging in pairs or small family groups that often coalesce into larger, noisy flocks of up to 100 individuals at communal roosting sites in tall trees, particularly palms. Their foraging strategy involves acrobatical...
The Red-shouldered Macaw boasts a wide, though somewhat disjunct, distribution across lowland South America, primarily as a resident species. Its range extends from eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, southward through the Amazon Basin of Brazil, reaching into eastern Peru, Bo...
Least Concern
- The Red-shouldered Macaw holds the distinction of being the smallest true macaw species. - It is often referred to as Hahn's Macaw, particularly the nominate subspecies (Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis). - Despite their wild nature, these macaws are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic...