Military Macaw

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittacidae

Genus

Ara

SPECIES

Ara militaris

Population size

10-20 Thou

Life Span

50-60 yrs

TOP SPEED

55 km/h

WEIGHT

900-1.100 g

LENGTH

70.5 cm

WINGSPAN

99-110 cm

Military macaws are so-called because they were first brought to Europe by military personnel. It is also suggested that the name comes from the color of their plumage, being "army” or olive green. They may not be as impressive in looks as other macaws, but they are beautiful nonetheless. They are also social and fun loving, and many of the ones kept as pets become excellent talkers.

Diurnal

Granivore

Frugivore

Arboreal

Monogamy

Social

Flocking

Distribution

The Military macaw inhabits small areas of both Central and South America, from Bolivia to western Mexico, western Venezuela and north-western Argentina. They live mainly in semi-arid temperate mountainous areas, and in deciduous tropical forests, near water. They move seasonally to lowlands, occurring in thorn woodlands and humid forests.

Geography

Continents

South America, North America

Countries

Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela

Biome

Montane grasslands and shrublands

Tropical dry forest

Tropical moist forests

Climate zones

Tropical

Arid

Temperate

Habits and Lifestyle

Military macaws live in pairs or family groups. They are also often seen in flocks with as many as 40 birds in communal roosts on cliff faces or in tall trees, where they go to sleep at night. They are very noisy and make themselves conspicuous at the time of dawn and dusk, while they fly between the roosting and feeding areas. During such flights, mating pairs fly close together. When at rest during the day, the birds perch in the tops of exposed dead trees. Military macaws migrate seasonally to eat particular fruits, and move about locally in many regions. Their beaks are used as a “third hand” when they move about or climb in trees, enabling them to climb easily with the help of their feet and beak. Military macaws are often heard before they are seen, identified by their loud screeching and croaking.

Group name

flock, company, pandemonium

Lifestyle

Arboreal

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR

Monogamy

REPRODUCTION SEASON

January-March

INCUBATION PERIOD

28-30 days

INDEPENDENT AGE

12 weeks

FEMALE NAME

hen

MALE NAME

cock

BABY NAME

chick

BABY CARRYING

2-3 eggs

Military macaws are monogamous, remaining together for life. During courtship they perform aerobatics as part of flight displays. The breeding season takes place between January and March, though it may vary depending on the country. They nest in cavities, mostly in a hole in a treetop, but also in canyon cliff-faces, where their nest may be set up in rocky crevices or fissures, about 200 m off the ground. 2 or 3 white eggs are laid. Incubation is about 28 days to a month, by the female, who is fed by the male during this period. The male then brings her food for their chicks. The young fledge at about 12 weeks old. Military macaws reach sexual maturity after two to four years.

Population Trend

Decreasing

POPULATION STATUS

Vulnerable (VU)

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Population

Population threats

The main cause of the huge decline in numbers of Military macaws is the pet trade. Loss of habitat is another significant reason for the reduction of their numbers, through deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Military macaw is 10,000-20,000 individuals, including 6,000-15,000 mature birds. This species’ numbers are decreasing today and it is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the list of threatened species.

Ecological niche

Military macaws have an important role in spreading seeds for the plants, fruits and berries that they eat.

Fun Facts for Kids

Military macaws congregate at mounds of clay along riverbanks to lick the clay to detoxify poisonous substances in their diet.
Macaws will fly distances of 15 miles (24 kilometers) every day to feed.
The vision of Military macaws is remarkably different to ours. Like many birds, being able to see colors in the ultraviolet spectrum means that they can see colors that humans cannot.
Military macaws are inquisitive and playful, and they love to interact with people. Now and again they get a little bad-tempered.
Macaws are zyodactal, meaning that their first and fourth toes point backward. This enables them to perch securely and use their claws as hands to hold their food while eating.
A macaw's pattern of feathers on its face is like a human's fingerprint: no two have the same pattern.

Military Macaw

Photos with Military Macaw

Distribution

Geography

Biome

Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Mating Habits

Population

Population threats

Population number

Ecological niche

Fun Facts for Kids

References

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About

Military Macaw

Photos with Military Macaw

Distribution

Geography

Biome

Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Mating Habits

Population

Population threats

Population number

Ecological niche

Fun Facts for Kids

References

Related Animals

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