Camera traps registering the behavior of Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus) inside the nest

The use of camera traps is a non-invasive method of study, since it does not require physical capture, having only images and videos recorded, without causing stress to birds. Monitoring and records taken with camera traps are important tools for biology and conservation studies. The Macaws in the City project monitors the reproduction of Blue-and-yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) in the urban area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as other species that reproduce in cavities left by macaws (e.g., Red-bellied Macaw, Orthopsittaca manilatus). During the 2017 breeding season, a camera trap was installed inside the nest that housed a nine-day-old O. manilatus female. The trap was installed for 27 days, totaling 5:45 h of observation time. It recorded the development of the chick until fledgling, as well as the behavior of the adults, where it was observed that the male slept inside the nest with the female and the chick. The male assists the female carefully and both took turns feeding the offspring. The photos and videos were analyzed and organized into a database. With the information collected using camera traps, it was possible to know the habits of this species to better contribute with its conservation.