Discover everything you need to know about green winged macaws, including their habitat, diet, behaviour, and more. Find out what makes these magnificent birds so special.Read More
All About Green Winged Macaw: Characteristics, Care, and Habitat
The Green-winged Macaw, also sometimes called the Red-and-Green Macaw, boasts a stunning and colorful appearance alongside some interesting behaviors. Here’s a breakdown of their key characteristics
Appearance of Green Winged Macaw
- Large parrot, second in size only to the Hyacinth Macaw, reaching up to 37 inches (95 cm) in length with a wingspan of 41-49 inches (102-125 cm).
- Primarily red plumage with contrasting features:
- Blue back and rump
- Green upper wing coverts (hence the name!)
- Blue tail with a blue tip
- White, bare facial patch streaked with thin red feathers
- Powerful, hooked beak with a pale upper mandible and black lower mandible
- Gray legs with zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward) for better gripping on branches
- Often confused with Scarlet Macaws due to the red body, but Green-winged Macaws have green on their wings and lack the yellow seen on Scarlet Macaws.
Behaviour of Green Winged Macaw
- Intelligent and social birds, often seen in pairs or small family groups.
- Highly vocal, using loud calls to communicate with each other, especially while flying.
- Playful and curious, requiring mental stimulation and enrichment to prevent boredom.
- Strong beaks allow them to crack nuts and seeds, and their climbing skills are impressive thanks to their agile feet.
Habitat of Green Winged Macaw
Native to humid lowland forests of North and Central South America.
- Forest Type: They primarily inhabit humid lowland forests, which are dense rainforests with a high amount of moisture and rainfall throughout the year.
- Location: Their range stretches from eastern Panama to Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas, across the western part of South America from eastern Ecuador and eastern Peru to northern and eastern Bolivia. They can also be found throughout eastern South America, including Parana and Mato Grosso in Brazil, reaching Paraguay and Formosa in northern Argentina.
- Canopy Level: Green-winged Macaws are arboreal birds, meaning they spend most of their time living in the trees. They prefer the upper canopy level of the rainforest, where they have access to food sources, nesting sites, and good vantage points for observing their surroundings.
- Specific Trees: While they are not restricted to specific tree species, they favor tall trees with large cavities suitable for nesting. Some examples include almendro trees (Dipteryx odorata), samauma trees (Ceiba pentandra), and fig trees (Ficus spp.).
Diet of Green Winged Macaw
- Primarily eat fruits, nuts, and seeds in the wild. They’ve been known to consume some poisonous fruits, possibly due to their habit of eating clay which may help neutralize toxins.
- In captivity, a balanced diet of pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nuts is recommended.
Vocalizations of Green Winged Macaw
They are known for their loud and raucous calls, which they use for communication within their flock and to establish territory. They may also mimic sounds from their environment or human speech.
Lifespan of Green Winged Macaw
In captivity, Green-winged Macaws can live for several decades, with lifespans averaging around 50 to 60 years with proper care.
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