Red-bellied Macaw
Orthopsittaca manilata
South America • Palm Specialist
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilata) is a charming and active mini-macaw known for its bright green body and distinctive red belly and undertail coverts. It is a true palm specialist, often found in palm swamps and gallery forests. Smaller and more manageable than the large macaws, it is highly social, playful, and vocal, making it a popular choice for keepers who want macaw personality in a more compact package.
General Description
| Common Name | Red-bellied Macaw |
| Latin Name | Orthopsittaca manilata |
| Family | Psittacidae • Macaws |
| Adult Size | 46–48 cm (18–19 in) |
| Weight | 250–300 g |
| Life Span | 25–40+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 3–5 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–4 eggs |
| Gender Difference | No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger; DNA testing is required. |
| Natural Habitat | Palm swamps, gallery forests, and areas with abundant Mauritia flexuosa (moriche) palms. |
| Origin / Range | Northern South America: Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. |
| Care Level | Intermediate • Smaller macaw, more manageable than large species |
Orthopsittaca manilata • Adult showing red belly
PALM SPECIALIST • RED-BELLIED MINI MACAW
Plumage & Features
The Red-bellied Macaw is primarily bright green with a bold red patch on the lower belly and undertail coverts. The wings show turquoise-blue flight feathers, and the tail is long and green with blue tones. It has a small bare white facial patch, a black beak, and dark eyes. The red belly is the most distinctive feature and gives the species its common name.
There are no recognised subspecies. Juveniles have much less red on the belly and duller overall plumage.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Orthopsittaca Genus
South America
Palm Specialist