Green-winged Macaw
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| Green-winged Macaw | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Ara chloroptera (Gray, 1859) |
The Green-winged Macaw or Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloroptera) is often mistaken for the Scarlet Macaw because of its predominantly red feathering. The breast of the Red-and-green Macaw is bright red, but the lower feathers of the wing are green. Iridescent teal feathers are surrounded by red on the tail. In addition, the Red-and-green Macaw has characteristic red lines around the eyes formed by rows of tiny feathers on the otherwise bare white skin patch; this is one of the biggest differences from a scarlet macaw to the casual viewer. This is the most common of the large macaws in the wild, and the largest of the Ara genus, widespread in the forests of Northern South America. However, in common with other macaws, in recent years there has been a marked decline in its numbers due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade.
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[edit] Description
The superficially similar Scarlet Macaw has a yellow band on each wing, and no red facial patch lines. Some macaw owners and experts call the Green-winged Macaw the "gentle giant", as it is larger in size than the Scarlet Macaw and Blue-and-yellow Macaw, but has a more docile, sweet nature which often makes it a more desirable pet or companion parrot. However, with size comes strength that must be considered when deciding if a Green-winged Macaw would be a fit addition to a household. It is second only in size to the Hyacinth Macaw, the largest bird of the macaw family. The wingspan of the greenwing macaw can be up to 49 inches (125 cm), with a total body length of 39 inches (100 cm). A healthy adult will weigh between 1,250 and 1,700 grams.
[edit] Beak
The Green Winged Macaw has a very powerful beak which can generate a pressure of 2000 psi and can snap a broomstick in half.[1] This powerful beak is designed to crush or open even the hardest nuts and seeds.
[edit] Aviculture, captivity, and care
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The Green-winged Macaw generally mates for life. The female typically lays two or three eggs in a nest made in a hole in a tree. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 90 days after hatching.[2]
Green-winged Macaws are popular, but are a high maintenance pet; they are expensive to purchase, adopt, or maintain, they are demanding, and they are extremely loud and noisy cage birds. They are prized for their beautiful plumage and considered very affectionate with their owners. They are considered an intelligent species. Many hybrids between this and other macaw species are popular.
Like many rarer parrot species today, they are occasionally smuggled to the United States or Canada where they wind up seized by authorities in Miami, San Juan, Toronto, or New York City (both nations are CITES signatories and thus obligated to take appropriate action). Unfortunately not all perpetrators are caught and some birds are sold illegally. Many smuggled parrots die from stress on their way to points north.
Large Macaws require a large amount of room and thus the cage a single bird occupies should be as large as possible, 36 inches wide x 36 inches deep x 60 inches high, or larger. They need ample amounts of room to prevent the muscles in their wings from atrophying as well as plenty of room to play, exercise in, and spread their wings. The bars of the cage should be no larger than 1 inch apart and should be made of durable metal. It should not have parts that contain lead or zinc, including paint on the bars. Cage cleaning and hygiene are important, Many cages have a grate covering the base to separate the bird from its droppings. The cage should be placed in an area that is off the floor, well-lit, and of a consistent temperature. Perches are acceptable and recommended; perches of varied materials and size are required to keep feet healthy. Stands placed strategicly around the house are important as an additional place to hang out and be part of the family. A spray bottle of lukewarm water can be used to bathe the bird. (All macaws typically like water and will also respond happily to an outing in the kitchen sink as well or spray down in the shower or with a garden hose.) They should eat a diet that mimics what they eat in the wild (fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
In addition to requiring large spaces Large Macaws equally require a great deal of stimulation, attention, and affection. They thrive on,and need frequent, regular interaction. They should be removed from their cages for long periods to socialize and be slowly socialized with others to retain a friendly disposition towards people; they need time to get to know strangers. They will naturally be extremely vocal and should not be discouraged from this behavior but should be given limits overall. Children are not recommended to have this bird as a pet and in particular should interact with Scarlet Macaws under adult supervision and taught to respect a large, very sensitive bird with a powerful beak adapted to crushing hard nuts. They love to play and should have plenty of toys in good condition for stimulation; they habitually chew whatever they can get their beaks on and so wooden toys are recommended both for enrichment and to avoid beak overgrowth. Toys that are worn out should be replaced and care should be taken to keep a Scarlet Macaw's curious mind occupied. Birds that do not receive enough attention often display behaviors of over-preening, self-mutilation, depression, and extreme rage/aggression.
[edit] Gallery
 Standing on a wall |
 Video of the Ara chloroptera at Disney's Animal Kingdom |
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[edit] References
- ^ City Parrots : Parrot lovers dedicate memorial garden for pets - Parrot Scarlet Macaw Ara Macao
- ^ Alderton, David (2003). The ultimate encyclopedia of caged and aviary birds. London, England: Hermes House, p. 235. ISBN 184309164X.
[edit] External links
- World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia - Species Profiles
- City Parrots
- The World Parrot Trust Fund
- A page (with photos) devoted to a Red-and-green Macaw
- Red-and-green Macaw videos on the Internet Bird Collection
- Stamps (9 countries) with RangeMap
- Red-and-green Macaw photo gallery VIREO
- Photo-High Res--"Red-and-green Macaws"-(clay lick) Article
