Ara militaris
The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) is a striking, large Neotropical parrot characterized by its vibrant emerald-green plumage, which earned it its "military" moniker. Adults typically measure 70-75 cm (27.5-29.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 99-110 cm (39-43 inches) and weigh between 900-1100 grams (2-2.4 lbs). Key field marks include a conspicuous bright red patch on the forehead, a bare white facial patch adorned with fine black feather lines, and a blue lower back and rump, with th...
Humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, thorny scrub, and gallery forests, primarily in mountainous regions and foothills, typically between 500-2500 meters (1,600-8,200 feet) elevation.
Primarily frugivorous and granivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, and flowers from numerous tree species, occasionally supplementing with insects or clay from licks. Foraging occurs mainly in the forest canopy.
Military Macaws are diurnal and highly social, often seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks of up to 50 individuals, especially at communal roosting sites in tall trees or cliff faces. They forage primarily in the forest canopy, using their powerful bills to crac...
The Military Macaw exhibits a disjunct distribution across three main populations from Mexico through Central and South America. The northernmost subspecies, *Ara militaris mexicana*, is found along the Pacific slope of Mexico, from Sonora south to Oaxaca, and into scattered pockets in Veracruz. ...
Vulnerable
- The "military" in their name refers to their predominantly green plumage, reminiscent of military uniforms. - They are one of the few macaw species known to regularly nest in sheer cliff faces, making their nests incredibly difficult for predators and humans to reach. - Military Macaws can live...