| Description |
second in size only to the Hyacinth Macaw; breast is bright red; lower feathers of the wing are green; characteristic red lines around the eyes formed by rows of tiny feathers on otherwise bare skin; long blue tail; grey legs; powerful bill horn colored with blackish sides; lower mandible blackish; iris pale-yellowish; feet dark grey; immatures have shorter tail, lower mandible paler and iris is brown |
| Sex |
both sexes similar |
| Age |
average in captivity 50-60 years; some individuals known to reach 80 years; several claims of birds over 100 years old |
| Length |
39" |
| Wingspan |
up to 49" |
| Weight |
2.75-3.5 lbs. |
| Habitat |
tropical forests and swamps in Central and South America, including Columbia, Panama, Venezuela, Guyana and Trinidad |
| Status |
commonest of the macaws, however in recent years numbers in the wild have declined due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade |
| Range |
forests of northern South America |
| Behavior |
frequently seen in pairs or family groups, occasionally gathering in small flocks; larger groups found feeding in trees or on clay banks; breeding season is November to March; 1-3 eggs hatch within 28 days; young fledge at 90-100 days |
| Diet |
nuts, fruits, berries, seeds and some vegetable matter |
| Vocalization |
in captivity have been known to learn to talk, but are not considered the best mimics; considered quieter than other macaws |
| Other Information |
- Also known as Green Winged Macaw
- This bird's powerful beak can generate a pressure of 2000 psi and is capable of snapping a broomstick in half.
- Flies virtually every day to clay banks to feed on mineral soil which is believed to neutralize toxic content of unripe fruits
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