Green-Winged Macaw
Description
The Green-Winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus), also known as the red-and-green macaw, is a large, mostly-red macaw of the genus Ara.
This is the largest of the genus Ara, widespread in the forests and woodlands of northern and central 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 parrot trade.
The green-winged macaw can be readily distinguished from the scarlet macaw. While the breast of both birds are bright red, the upper-wing covert feathers of the green-winged macaw is mostly green but can occasionally sport a few yellow feathers above the band of green (as opposed to mostly yellow, or a strong mix of yellow and green in the scarlet macaw). In addition, the green-winged 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. Iridescent teal feathers are surrounded by red on the tail. If seen together, the green-winged macaw is clearly larger than the scarlet macaw as well.
In terms of length, this species is second only in size to the hyacinth macaw, the largest of the macaws. The red-and-green macaw attains a total body length of 90 to 95 cm (35 to 37 in) in adults. Twelve adults were found to average 1,214 g (2.676 lb). A weight range of between 1,050 and 1,708 g (2.315 and 3.765 lb) has been reported.[3] While its weight range is broadly similar to that of the hyacinth, the average weight of the red-and-green macaw is slightly surpassed by both the hyacinth and great green macaws, and amongst all living parrots additionally by the kakapo.
Scientific Name
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Loud
Talk / Trick Ability
Excellent
Characteristics
More outgoing than some of the other macaws, a green-winged macaw can make an affectionate pet. They are also considered more intelligent of the species. Green-winged macaws are often confused with the scarlet macaw because of their similar coloring, but as their name describes they have more green on their wings. Green-winged macaws adapt quickly to a new environment and will quickly become a loving member of the family.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Green-winged macaws require a higher fat content in their diet than parrots, so provide a healthy diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and the occasional nut. They are prolific chewers and can have overgrown beaks, so provide plenty of hard wood blocks and other hard toys to give their beaks a good work out. They are susceptible to papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD, also known as “macaw wasting” disease), polyomavirus, psittacosis and vitamin-A sensitivity. Green-winged macaws do not usually reach full size until about 1-and-a-half years of age. As babies, most macaws have dark eyes that lighten with age. Because green-winged macaws are sociable and live in large flocks in the wild, they need plenty of daily interaction with fellow flock members. These pet birds enjoy being part of the daily household routines.
Expert Advice
“Rowdy, loving, intelligent and LOUD.”
Liz Wilson, CVT, CPBC
“These guys are not for the novice. They can be more demanding than the blue-and-gold and need proper socialization and training on an ongoing basis. No particular health problems to my knowledge.”
Samuel Vaughn, DVM, Dip. ABVP – Avian Practice