Great Green Macaw

The Great Green Macaw, also known as Buffon's Macaw or the Great Military Macaw, is a majestic bird that is critically endangered. It is the largest parrot in its natural range, the second heaviest macaw species, and the third heaviest parrot species in the world. This species averages 85–90 cm in length and 1.3 kg in weight. They are predominantly green with a reddish forehead and pale blue lower back, rump, and upper tail feathers. The tail is brownish-red tipped with very pale blue. The bare facial skin is patterned with lines of small dark feathers, which are reddish in older and female parrots. Juveniles have grey-colored eyes, are duller in color, and have shorter tails tipped in yellow.

Identification Tips

The Great Green Macaw can be identified by its large size, predominantly green plumage, and the reddish patch on its forehead. Its bill is smaller and narrower compared to similar species. The tail is brownish-red with pale blue tips, and the facial skin has a unique pattern of dark feather lines.

Habitat

This macaw inhabits the canopy of wet tropical forests and is often associated with the almendro tree, Dipteryx oleifera. It is found in the Atlantic wet lowlands of Central America and the Pacific coastal lowlands in South America, where it also occurs in deciduous, dry tropical forests.

Distribution

The Great Green Macaw ranges from Honduras to Panama and Colombia, and in South America in the Pacific coastal lowlands in Panama, Colombia, and western Ecuador. It is usually observed below 600 m above sea level during the breeding season but disperses to higher elevations up to 1500 m after breeding.

Behaviour

These birds are typically seen in pairs or small groups of up to eight individuals. They rest and forage in the upper areas of the canopy and are known to migrate in search of food after the breeding season, forming flocks of up to 18 birds.

Song & Calls

The Great Green Macaw has an extremely loud, raucous "aak, raak" call that can be heard at great distances. Captive birds emit loud squawks, growls, and creaking or groaning sounds.

Breeding

The breeding season starts in December and ends in June in Costa Rica, and from August to October in Ecuador. They nest in large trees like Dipteryx oleifera, with the female laying a clutch of 2-3 eggs that are incubated for 26 days. Both parents rear the young, which fledge after 12–13 weeks and are weaned after 18–20 weeks.

Similar Species

The Great Green Macaw may be confused with the Military Macaw where their ranges overlap due to their superficial similarities.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, bulbs, roots, and bark. In Costa Rica, the seeds or nuts of Dipteryx oleifera, Sacoglottis trichogyna, Vochysia ferruginea, and Lecythis ampla are particularly important. The beak is well-adapted for breaking open large nuts.

Conservation status

The Great Green Macaw is critically endangered, with an estimated population of 500 to 1000 individuals worldwide as of 2020. Habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade are significant threats to its survival. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, education programs, and reintroduction projects.