Green-winged macaw
Ara chloropterus
Green-winged macaw
Ara chloropterus
The green-winged macaw, also known as the red-and-green macaw, is one of the largest and most iconic parrots of the Neotropics. Its striking scarlet plumage, distinctive green band across the middle of its wings, and bare facial skin marked with fine red feather lines make it an unmistakable species.
Beyond its impressive appearance, this bird plays a vital role in maintaining the health of its habitat by dispersing the seeds of the fruits and nuts it consumes, thereby contributing to the regeneration of tropical forests.
WEIGHT
1,050 – 1,708 g
DIET
Herbivorous
ORIGIN
Central and South America
INCUBATION
27 – 35 days
WEIGHT
1.050 – 1.708 g
DIET
Herbivorous
ORIGIN
Central and South America
INCUBATION
27 – 35 days
General characteristics of the green-winged macaw
The green-winged macaw is predominantly bright scarlet red. Its most distinctive feature, from which it takes its common name, is the broad band of green feathers across the middle of the wings, followed by blue flight feathers towards the tips. This feature is key to distinguishing it from the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), another large macaw with which it shares much of its range, but which instead displays a striking yellow band across the wings.
The bill is proportionally larger than that of Ara macao, with a pale horn-coloured upper mandible and a black lower mandible. The bare facial skin is crossed by fine rows of red feathers. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism; however, younger birds can be recognised by their grey lower mandible and shorter tail.
Diet
The diet varies according to both season and geographical location. It consists mainly of seeds, fruit pulp, whole fruits and flowers from a wide variety of plant species, with a particular preference for seeds. Green-winged macaws have also been observed consuming clay at collpas.
The anatomy of the green-winged macaw is perfectly adapted to this demanding diet. Its powerful bill acts as a highly specialised tool, capable of cracking shells that would be extremely difficult for a person to break without using a hammer.
In addition, its zygodactyl feet (with two toes facing forwards and two backwards) function almost like hands, allowing the bird to hold fruit firmly while extracting the seed with its thick, muscular tongue.
Lifestyle
Green-winged macaws are diurnal and highly social birds. They are most commonly seen in lifelong pairs or small flocks, although much larger gatherings may occur at clay licks (collpas) or in areas where food is particularly abundant.
During the breeding season, they actively defend their nesting sites against predators and other birds. They have also been observed undertaking seasonal movements in response to fluctuations in food availability.
Their calls are loud and harsh, much like those of other large macaw species. In flight, these calls become especially piercing, whereas perched birds tend to produce softer and more varied vocalisations.
Reproduction
Green-winged macaws are strictly monogamous and form lifelong pair bonds. Depending on the geographical region they inhabit, nesting may begin in different months from December onwards.
They nest in natural cavities, particularly those found in palm trees, as well as in sandstone and other rocky cliffs. Females usually lay two to three eggs, which are incubated for between 27 and 35 days.
Both parents participate in raising the chicks. While the female spends most of her time incubating the eggs, the male forages to feed both his mate and, later, the chicks. The fledging period has not been thoroughly documented; however, some studies estimate that young birds leave the nest after approximately 100–103 days. Even after becoming independent, juveniles are thought to remain in small family groups for some time.
In most cases, breeding pairs have been observed reusing the same nesting cavities year after year. This behaviour highlights the importance of preserving mature trees and natural nesting sites, as the loss of these cavities directly reduces breeding opportunities.
Geographical distribution and habitat
The green-winged macaw is widely distributed throughout the Neotropics. Its range extends from eastern Panama and the lowlands of Colombia through Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, eastern Peru and northern Bolivia.
It primarily inhabits lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, although it also occurs in a variety of other tropical forest types, including areas associated with savannas and open woodland, such as the Caatinga. In Panama, it favours mountainous regions and has been recorded at elevations of up to 1,500 metres.
Threats to the population
Conservation status
- IUCN Red List status: Least Concern (LC)
- Population trend: decreasing
Images of the green-winged macaw
Interesting facts about the green-winged macaw
Remarkably intelligent
Green-winged macaws possess excellent memories and are capable of mimicking human speech, as well as associating specific words with particular objects.
Every chick that reaches adulthood matters
Only a small proportion of chicks survive to adulthood, as many succumb to malnutrition or fall prey to predators. In addition, the species does not reach sexual maturity until around ten years of age.
Competition for nesting sites
Depending on the region, green-winged macaws and Scarlet macaws regularly compete for the same nesting cavities.
How we help conserve macaws
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