Great Green Macaw
The Great green macaw is the second-largest macaw species in the world, distinguished by its emerald-green plumage and massive beak capable of cracking the hardest nuts. This critically endangered parrot inhabits the rainforests of Central and South America, where fewer than 1,000 individuals remain in the wild.
Also known as Buffon's macaw, this bird was previously considered a subspecies of the Military macaw until recognized as distinct. Unlike the more common Blue-and-yellow macaw, the Great green macaw's survival depends entirely on mature rainforest ecosystems, making it especially vulnerable to deforestation.
What is the Great Green Macaw's Natural Habitat?
Great green macaws live in tropical rainforests from Honduras to Ecuador, preferring dense, mature forests with consistent rainfall. They require old-growth forests with large trees that provide both food sources and suitable nesting cavities.
These birds cannot adapt to drier, secondary forests that might support other parrot species. Their habitat requirements are so specific that even small changes in forest composition can force them to abandon entire areas.
What is the Great Green Macaw's Diet?
Great green macaws feed primarily on fruits, nuts, seeds, and flowers. Their favorite food is the seed of the almendro tree, which they travel long distances to find as it ripens seasonally.
Their massive beak allows them to crack nuts that other animals cannot even dent. They act as important seed dispersers, helping regenerate rainforest ecosystems.
What is the Great Green Macaw's Lifespan?
Great green macaws live 50-60 years in the wild and up to 80 years in captivity. They don't reach breeding age until 4-6 years old, which slows population recovery efforts.
Their long lifespan makes each adult extremely valuable to conservation, as breeding pairs can produce offspring for decades.
FAQ about the Great Green Macaw
What is the Great Green Macaw's scientific name?
The Great green macaw's scientific name is Ara ambiguus. The species was first described in 1816 and was originally classified as a subspecies of the Military macaw until genetic studies confirmed it as a distinct species.
What is the average size/weight of a Great Green Macaw?
Great green macaws measure 85-90 cm (33-35 inches) in total length and weigh between 1.3-1.7 kg (2.9-3.7 pounds). Their wingspan can reach up to 110 cm (43 inches), making them the second-largest flying parrot species after the Hyacinth macaw.
What is a Great Green Macaw fun fact?
Great green macaws are ecosystem engineers whose powerful beaks can crack nuts so hard that scientists use hydraulic presses to open them in laboratories. They're also excellent flyers capable of reaching speeds up to 56 km/h (35 mph) and can travel over 100 kilometers in a single day following seasonal fruit availability across the rainforest canopy.
The Great green macaw stands as one of the most remarkable yet vulnerable members of the Ara genus. While their smaller relative, the Military macaw, has adapted to drier mountain forests, the Great green macaw's dependence on pristine rainforest makes conservation efforts especially critical.
Unlike the more adaptable Blue-and-yellow macaw, these giants cannot survive in degraded habitats, making every remaining individual precious for the species' future.