by Lincoln Larson
February 10, 2004
Page 3 : Studying the Colpa
Macaws range throughout Central and South America, but Tambopata affords the perfect location for macaw research for one primary reason: it boasts the world’s largest clay lick, the Tambopata River Colpa. The region’s extensive bird activity creates an enormous sample size ideal for any scientific study. Every day, thousands of macaws and parrots descend to feed on the clay. Geophagy (or soil-eating) occurs across the animal kingdom, and several hypotheses have been used to explain this behavior in macaws. Some scientists say that the clay binds harmful toxins, helping the birds digest the toxic seed material that is their primary source of food. The birds of Tambopata seem to prefer clay with high salt content, and they probably use clay consumption to counter sodium deficiencies in their natural diets.
No matter what draws them to the clay, this immense gathering of sights and sounds is absolutely incredible. As a researcher on the Tambopata Macaw Project, I have the privilege of witnessing the marvelous display every day. Using binoculars and telescopes, we record which species arrive first, where they go, and how long they stay in an effort to unravel the complex intra- and inter-specific interactions of birds at the clay lick.
| Common Macaw and Parrot Species at the Tambopata River Colpa | |
| Common name | Scientific name |
| Red- and-Green Macaw | Ara chloroptera |
| Blue- and-Yellow Macaw | Ara ararauna |
| Scarlet Macaw | Ara macao |
| Red- Bellied Macaw | Ara manilata |
| Chestnut-Fronted Macaw | Ara severa |
| Blue- Headed Macaw | Ara couloni |
| Mealy Parrot | Amazona farinosa |
| Yellow- Crowned Parrot | Amazona ochrocephala |
| Blue- Headed Parrot | Pionus menstruus |
| Orange- Cheeked Parrot | Pionopsitta barrabandi |
| White- Bellied Parrot | Pionites leucogaster |
| White- Eyed Parakeet | Aratinga leucopthalmus |
| Dusky- Headed Parakeet | Aratinga weddellii |
| Cobalt- Winged Parakeet | Brotogeris cyanoptera |
We are also attempting to determine the impact of weather and eco-tourism on normal Colpa activity. Results show that birds do not visit the clay during rainy days, and that controlled tourist activity at a distance of greater than 150 meters has no apparent effect on bird behavior. To supplement the data we collect each morning at the Colpa, we enter the forest in the afternoon to conduct Psittacidae census point counts. The census data supply information about parrot and macaw movement and behavior away from the clay lick. Tambopata's macaws face no immediate threat, but if we can learn more about the birds and their habitat, we will be better equipped to save the endangered populations in other areas.
Dangling thirty-five meters up in a tree, the breeze rocks me as I look out toward the upper Tambopata River and miles of undisturbed rainforest stretching as far as the eye can see. The sun dips below the Andean foothills on the western horizon, and a scarlet macaw lands a short distance away. She has come to check on her chicks, which I have just measured and safely returned to the nest. It is reassuring to know that beautiful bird is successfully raising a new generation of macaws. Thanks to our help, the spectacular colors and sounds will continue to fill the skies above the clay lick. Another day of research draws to a close, but the arduous task never ends. Life in Tambopata will continue tomorrow, just as it has every day. Our duty is to ensure that the macaws and other inhabitants of the rainforest will always have a place to call home.
Special thanks to Macaw Project Director Dr. Donald Brightsmith and Field Leader Aida Figari.
Pages: 1, 2, 3
About the author:Lincoln Larson is a recent graduate of Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) and an aspiring field biologist.
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