Green-winged Macaw
Scientific Name: Ara chloropterus
Category: bird
Brief Description
A large, colorful parrot known for its vibrant red body plumage and green wing bands.
Characteristics
Large size (up to 90 cm); predominantly red body; green feathers on the middle wing coverts (no yellow); blue feathers on the lower back and tail; white facial skin with distinct red feather lines.
Habitat
Lowland tropical rainforests and humid woodlands near rivers.
When to Find It
Active during daylight hours, year-round.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though populations are declining due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade.
Ecological Role
Acts as a primary seed disperser and consumer, influencing forest structure and health through its foraging habits.
Easily Confused With
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), which is distinguished by having yellow on its wings rather than green, and lacks the red facial feather lines found on the Green-winged Macaw.
Observation Tips
Listen for their loud, raucous calls. Look for them at clay licks or feeding in the canopy of nut-bearing trees in South American rainforests.
Interesting Facts
They are highly intelligent and social birds that often mate for life. Their powerful beaks can exert enough pressure to easily crack the toughest tropical nuts.