Source: Forbes
Scarlet macaws, known for their vibrant plumage and mate bonds, often neglect some of their chicks, allowing them to starve despite ample food availability. A study by Texas A&M researchers revealed that 45% of scarlet macaw chicks die from starvation, with third and fourth hatchlings always perishing, while 26% of second chicks also fail to survive. This selective neglect is driven by chick age and size; older, larger chicks are prioritized for feeding.
The team discovered that chick neglect is not due to sibling rivalry or food scarcity but deliberate parental behavior, with mothers refusing to feed or warm the youngest chicks. Fathers occasionally intervene, creating further complexity. This high mortality rate led researchers to develop a foster program, placing neglected chicks into nests of macaws that lost their own chicks. This program has successfully saved 28 chicks in three breeding seasons. This approach offers hope for conservation efforts, potentially benefiting endangered parrot species worldwide.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2024/11/19/why-do-scarlet-macaws-neglect-their-youngest-chicks/