Buffon’s Macaw
Description
The Buffon's macaw (Ara ambiguus), also known as great green macaw or the great military macaw, is a Central and South American parrot found in Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador. This species live in the canopy of wet tropical forests and is highly dependent on the almendro tree (Dipteryx panamensis). Two allopatric subspecies are recognized; the nominate subspecies (Ara ambiguus ambiguus) occurs from Honduras to West Colombia, while Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis is isolated on the Pacific side of the continent in Ecuador, and possibly South-Western Colombia.
Great green macaws are the largest parrots in their natural range, the second heaviest macaw species (although are relatively shorter tailed than other large macaws such as the red-and-green macaw and are thus somewhat shorter), and the third heaviest parrot species in the world. This species averages 85–90 cm (33.5–35.5 in) in length and 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) in weight. They are mainly green and have a reddish forehead and pale blue lower back, rump and upper tail feathers. 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.
The great green macaw appears superficially similar to, and may easily be confused with the military macaw where their ranges overlap.
Scientific Name
Ara ambiguus
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Loud
Talk / Trick Ability
Good
Characteristics
Although they are uncommon in captivity, Buffon’s macaws that are kept as pets are intelligent, playful and, when hand-tamed and socialized from a young age, very friendly and sociable. Often mistaken for a military macaw, the Buffon’s macaw is larger, more yellowish-green, with its blue coloring more toward turquoise. They are large, active birds that need sufficient cage space and plenty of toys and materials that they can chew and destroy.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Some macaws can have a tendency to be nippy, so behavior training from a young age and constant positive reinforcement are important. Buffon’s macaws require a high-fat diet and do well with additional protein as well, especially at a very young age. Because Buffon’s macaws are strong fliers as well as very powerful birds, their wing feathers should only be trimmed enough so they can glide to the floor. They also need enough space to fully expand their wings to prevent muscle atrophy.
Expert Advice
“Buffon’s macaws have amazing personalities. They are incredibly intelligent.”
Kitty Remington, DVM, Dipl. ABVP-Avian Practice, Killearn Animal Hospital and Northampton Animal Health Clinic, Tallahassee, Fla.