Golden-collared Macaw(Primolius auricollis)
They are also known as the Yellow-collared Macaw. It has a total length of 38 cm, of which almost half is tail feathers. The general plumage is green, with a distinct yellow collar that is broadest on the back of the neck. The yellow collar develops as the bird ages, with more vibrant colors found in mature birds. The front and crown is brownish black. The remiges and primary coverts are blue and the long, pointed tail has a red base, a narrow green centre and a blue tip.
The underside of the tail and flight feathers are greenish-yellow, similar to that of several other small macaws such as the Blue-winged Macaw and red-bellied macaw. The legs are a dull pinkish color, and the iris is reddish to dull yellow. It has extensive bare white facial skin and the heavy bill is black, often tipped pale grey.
Habitat
The main population occurs in the Pantanal of Brazil (south-western Mato Grosso, western Mato Grosso do Suland southern Rondônia), northern Argentina (eastern Jujuy and northern Salta), far northern Paraguay (Alto Paraguay and Concepción) and most of northern and eastern Bolivia (Beni, Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca and Tarija). A second disjunct population occurs in far north-eastern Mato Grosso, south-eastern Pará and western Tocantins in Brazil.
It occurs in forest (but avoids the Amazon Rainforest), woodland, savanna and grassland with scattered trees. It mainly occurs in lowlands, but locally up to an altitude of 1,700 m.
Diet
They mainly feed on fruits, flower buds and seeds.
Breeding
The yellow-collared macaw nest in a hole in a tree. The eggs are white and there are usually two or three in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for about 26 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 70 days after hatching.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List, they are classed as Least Concern(LC). The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as fairly common. The population is suspected to be increasing as ongoing habitat degradation is creating new areas of suitable habitat.
Threats
The main threat to this species is habitat loss as a lot of trees are being chopped down where there are nesting sites.
Conservation
There are currently no conservation actions for this species as they are widespread.