Great Green Macaw

Scientifically known as Ara ambiguous, the great green macaw is mostly a wild bird with some rare occurrences in captivity. Instead of being kept inside a house, the species is suitable for staying in an aviary, given its requirements regarding weather, ambiance, and environment. Even in aviaries, it is not a sought-after choice per se.

Great Green Macaw

Quick Information
Other names	Buffon’s macaw, great military macaw, Guayaquil green macaw, grand military macaw, and grand green macaw
Color	Green body, red forehead, bluish lower back
Size	30-36 in (76.2-91.4 cm)
Weight	Around 45 oz (1.2 kg)
Distribution	South and Central America
Habitat	Humid deciduous and tropical forests and forest edges
Subspecies	Ara ambiguus ambiguus Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis
Diet	Fruits, nuts, flower, bark and roots
Breeding season	December-April in Costa Rica, while in Ecuador it is August-October
Clutch size	2-3 eggs
Incubation period	26- 30 days
Fledging	12-13 weeks
Lifespan	30-60 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Endangered
Temperament as pets	Jovial
Maintenance requirement	High
Noise level	Loud
Talking ability	None

As Pets

Housing

A 50 ft long enclosure along with lots of natural perches like tree trunks, eucalyptus or pine branches are perfect for the macaw. A barrel sizing 21in x 36in is good as a nest box.

Temperature

Since these birds are endemic to humid places, maintain that basic criteria by keeping the species in preferably cooler places.

Great Green Macaw Habitat

Great Green Macaw Picture

Temperament

The macaw likes to live in small groups and usually stay content with themselves. Its natural tendency to fly high is often observed inside the cage as well.

Feeding

Its strong bill is apt for breaking hard nuts so give the bird almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, walnuts. Fruits like orange and banana are also good options.

Great Green Macaw Bird

Great Green Macaw Diet

Care

Provide big chewable toys inside the cage for the entertainment and exercise of the bird.

For the necessity cleanliness, place an overhead mister that will make the bathing easier and enjoyable.

Also, make sure, the food bowls and water bowls are clean and tidy.

Health Problems

Psittacine beak and feather disease, chronic sinus infections, herpes infections, sunken-eye syndrome, and psittacosis are common problems. Consult a vet if you observe any irregularity in your bird.

Price

$2000-$3000 is the range for such birds.

Interesting Fact

The subspecies Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis which is conspecific to Ecuador, is also named as Chapman’s Green Macaw after Frank M. Chapman, the American naturalist who discovered the bird.