Ara Chloroptera:

Green wing Macaw A.K.A Ara Chloroptera

Ara chloroptera, Green wing Macaw, is a member of the Psittacidae genera and is the second largest of the Macaw species. 
 

They grow to be approximately 36 inches head to tail and can weigh more than 2 pounds.  The Green wing Macaw has a red head, shoulders, and chest. The wings are greenish, hence the name, and turn blue toward the tips. Both the upper and lower beak are black.  The eyes of an adult bird are yellow and their legs are gray.

Green wing Macaws are native to Central and South America and build their nests in high trees or cliffs They have been known to live upwards of 50 years in captivity and reach sexual maturity at about 5 years of age. While the female is slightly smaller, both the male and female of the species look alike so surgical sexing is generally necessary to identify gender.
 
During the Green wing Macaw’s breeding season they lay 2 to 3 eggs and the young hatch in 28 days becoming independent in 12 to 16 weeks.  Due to deforestation, they are endangered in the wild, however captive breeding programs are fairly successful and finding a Green wing to add to your family is generally easy.

Their diet consists mainly of fruits, leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, and berries.  In the wild, they use clay licks as a mineral supplement and to detoxify seeds.  In captivity they thrive on a pellet based diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Green wing Macaws if properly trained and socialized are is known to be very intelligent.  Though they are also prone to be one person birds and will show a particular bond for their owner. 

They can learn about 15-20 words and are good at mimicking sounds.  Typical to the Macaw family, they are noisy.  They can bond to a single owner but are generally considered good family pets because they adapt easily, if properly socialized, and interact well with a variety of people and animals. 

Unless they’re going to be left out of their cage for an extended period of time each day, they need to have a large cage that is at least 3 feet by 2 feet by 5 feet.  A tall cage will give them the height they need. 

Macaws are also big chewers and puzzle solvers.  Toys that enable them to chew and problem solve help to keep a Green wing active and prevent any potential behavior issues like biting and screaming.

Common behavior problems include, biting, screaming, and feather plucking.  These tend to show up if the environment is lacking and during sexual maturity.  Training and an optimal environment are the best ways to combat behavior problems. For more information on this check out Common Green wing Macaw Problems.

Common illnesses include Chlamydiosis, diarrhea, feather plucking, and Proventicular Dilatation disease.  A clean cage, fresh food and water daily, exercise, interaction with their family, training, and toys will generally keep a Green wing Macaw happy and healthy.  If you have any questions about the proper care or health of your Green wing Macaw, contact your avian veterinarian.