Species · GBIF taxon 5959225
Red-and-green Macaw
Ara chloropterusAlso known as Green-winged Macaw, Red-blue-and-green Macaw
Red-and-green macaws are highly social, intelligent parrots that form lifelong monogamous pairs and travel in noisy, vibrant flocks across South American canopy forests. They gather in spectacular numbers at clay licks along riverbanks to consume mineral-rich soil that helps neutralize dietary toxins. These powerful birds use their massive, crushing beaks to open hard-shelled nuts and seeds, playing a vital role in forest seed dispersal.
SocialVocalCanopy-dwelling
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Brazil nuts
- Palm fruits
- Hard seeds
Predators
- Harpy eagles
- Ocelots
- Large snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, deforestation, and the illegal pet trade
HabitatsTropical rainforests, humid lowland forests, and wooded savannas
Life span50 to 80 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPsittacidae
- SpeciesAra chloropterus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses a powerful beak capable of a severe defensive bite; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- The massive beak can exert immense crushing pressure, capable of breaking bones or causing deep lacerations if the bird feels cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for the large red body, green wing band, and distinct red feather lines on an otherwise bare white face patch.
- What to do
- Never attempt to corner, capture, or handle wild macaws; maintain a respectful distance of at least 15 meters.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Their loud, raucous screeches can be heard from over a mile away, signaling their approach long before they are visible.
- Visit clay licks: Early morning is the best time to observe them gathering at riverbank clay licks in the Amazon basin.
- Watch the canopy: Look for pairs flying close together, often touching wings in mid-flight.
Predator (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet · cc-by
Close Relative "Blue and Yellow Macaw" by Steve Wilson - over 10 million views Thanks !! is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative neiljs / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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