Fauna
Bird

Military Macaw

Ara militaris

Also known as Military Green Macaw, Green Macaw

Military macaws are highly social parrots that gather in noisy, communal roosts along cliff faces and high forest canopies. They fly in pairs or small family groups, communicating with loud, harsh squawks and screeches that echo across deep canyons. These birds play a vital role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds from the tough, hard-shelled fruits they crack open with their powerful beaks.

VocalSocialCanopy-dwelling
Military Macaw reference
neiljs / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPalm nuts, Hard seeds, Wild fruits
Predators
  • Harpy Eagle
  • Jaguar
  • Large tree snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, illegal pet trade poaching, and nest site competition
HabitatsTropical deciduous forests, pine-oak woodlands, and canyon cliffs
Life span50 to 60 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyPsittacidae
  2. SpeciesAra militaris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Possesses an extremely powerful beak capable of delivering a severe bite; observe from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with a massive, crushing beak designed to crack hard nuts, which can easily break skin and bones if the bird feels cornered.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a medium-to-large green parrot with a bright red forehead patch and blue flight feathers.
What to do
Never attempt to handle wild macaws; give nesting pairs at least thirty meters of space.
What to notice
Recognizable by its green body, red forehead, and loud, screeching vocalizations in flight.
Support conservation
Report any suspected poaching or illegal trade activities to local wildlife authorities immediately.
Responsible observation
  • Listen closely: Listen for their loud, raucous calls echoing through canyons to locate hidden roosts.
  • Watch the cliffs: Scan steep, rocky cliff faces early in the morning when they emerge from nesting cavities.
  • Keep your distance: Avoid approaching nesting sites to prevent causing stress or nest abandonment.
Related species
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