Military Macaw
Ara militaris
The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is a rare african and new world parrot found in 10 countries, weighing about 1.1 kg. The military macaw is a medium to large-sized macaw, named after its green and red plumage vaguely resembling a military uniform.
About the Military Macaw
The military macaw is a medium to large-sized macaw, named after its green and red plumage vaguely resembling a military uniform. It is native from west-central Mexico south through northern Argentina and Bolivia. While most wild populations are currently listed by the IUCN as vulnerable - and listed as endangered by Mexico - the species is still seen commonly in zoos and parks worldwide. The military macaw may be bred in captivity with relative ease, and is usually available through the pet trade. It is among the longest-lived one can own, requiring advanced knowledge, experience and confidence to keep them healthy, stimulated and thriving.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Military macaws measure from 70 to 85 centimeters (28 to 33 inches) long on-average, with a 99–110 cm (39–43 in) wingspan. The birds are mostly green-plumed, with light-blue and yellow flight and tail feathers, and a bright-red patch on the forehead. Their face is bare, as with most macaws, being whitish in colour with black striations. The large, strong bill is a slate-grey, blackish tone, and the iris is yellow. They are very visually-similar to great green macaws, but can be distinguished by their smaller size, completely black bill, and overall darker, deeper plumage.
What the Military Macaw sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Bahamas.
When to see it
The Military Macaw can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Military Macaw?
- Military macaws measure from 70 to 85 centimeters (28 to 33 inches) long on-average, with a 99–110 cm (39–43 in) wingspan. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Military Macaw?
- The Military Macaw is a large sized bird weighing about 1.1 kg.
- Where can you see a Military Macaw?
- The Military Macaw occurs in 10 countries, including Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.
- What does a Military Macaw sound like?
- You can listen to 2 field recordings of the Military Macaw on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Military Macaw?
- The Military Macaw is most easily confused with the Great Green Macaw, the Red-fronted Macaw and the Blue-throated Macaw.
- Is the Military Macaw endangered?
- The Military Macaw is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Military Macaw for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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