Green-Winged Macaw Fact Sheet

The Green-Winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus) is one of the largest and most strikingly beautiful parrots in the world. Known for its brilliant red plumage accented by green and blue wings, this species is a favorite among bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike. Native to South America, the green-winged macaw is often mistaken for the Scarlet Macaw, but its distinct red facial lines and broader green wing patches set it apart.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Appearance

Length: Approximately 90–95 cm (35–37 inches) from beak to tail.
Wingspan: Around 102–122 cm (40–48 inches).
Weight: Typically 900–1,500 grams (2–3.3 lbs).
Plumage:
- Bright red covering most of the body.
- Green and blue feathers on the wings.
- White, bare skin around the eyes with distinctive fine red feather lines.

Beak and Feet

The powerful, curved beak is adapted for cracking open nuts and seeds.
The upper beak is pale, while the lower one is dark grey or black.
Strong zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward, two pointing backward) allow excellent grip for climbing and handling food.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

Geographic Range

The Green-Winged Macaw is found in South America, spanning regions such as:

Venezuela and Colombia to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Prefers lowland tropical rainforests, riverbanks, and wooded savannas.

Preferred Environment

Typically inhabits dense forests, especially areas rich in tall trees.
Found at elevations up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).
Relies on hollow tree trunks for nesting.

Behavior and Social Structure

Social Nature

Highly social birds, usually seen in pairs or small groups.
Forms strong monogamous bonds with lifelong mates.
Communicates using loud squawks and screeches, often to mark territory or signal danger.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Omnivorous, primarily feeding on:
- Seeds, nuts, and fruits (especially palm nuts and figs).
- Leaves, flowers, and bark.
- Occasionally consumes insects and clay from riverbanks, believed to help neutralize toxins from their diet.

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Reproduction and Lifespan

Breeding Habits

Breeding season varies by region but typically occurs during the rainy season.
Egg-laying: Females lay 2–3 eggs, incubating them for about 26–28 days.
Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks.
Fledging period: Young macaws leave the nest after 12–14 weeks but remain dependent on parents for several months.

Lifespan

In the wild: Around 30–50 years.
In captivity: Can exceed 60 years, with some reaching up to 80 years.

Conservation Status

Threats

The Green-Winged Macaw faces several threats, including:

Deforestation due to logging and agricultural expansion.
Illegal pet trade, despite strict regulations.
Hunting in some regions for feathers and meat.

Conservation Efforts

Listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red List, though population decline is a concern.
Several protected areas and captive breeding programs help maintain population numbers.
Rehabilitation centers work to reintroduce rescued macaws into the wild.

Interesting Facts

The Green-Winged Macaw has an incredibly strong beak capable of cracking hard nuts like Brazil nuts.
They can mimic human speech, although not as fluently as some other parrot species.
Macaws have complex emotional bonds and can experience grief when separated from a mate.
Unlike many birds, macaws have facial feather patterns that are unique to each individual, much like human fingerprints.

The Green-Winged Macaw is a remarkable species, admired for its beauty, intelligence, and strong social bonds. While their populations remain relatively stable, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their survival in the wild. Protecting their natural habitat and combating illegal trade are essential steps toward preserving these magnificent birds for future generations.

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