Ara Militaris- The Great Green Macaw

In addition, although the three sub-species may be different in size and color, the Military Macaw is considered to be the smallest. This macaw has a lifespan of up to 60 years in the wild.

The diet of the Military Macaw, also occasionally referred to as the Great Green Macaw, consists of fruits, high quality pellets (preferably organic), and vegetables. In the wild, they mostly feed on berries and nuts as well as other vegetation which they find within the forest treetops.

An interesting facet to the Military Macaw’s eating habits is that they spend a great deal of time at macaw licks. These are mounds of clap which can be found in the interior of the rainforests in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela and supply the macaws with clap deposits that seem to dissipate the toxins that can be found in some of the foods they consume.

The Military Macaw’s plumage is green but their head is a lighter shade of green. Its notable red patch in the front as well as the red and blue-bordered tail is what makes it so distinctive.

It is interesting to note that the Ara Militaris is widely available since it is not as popular as its cousins. Although they have been well-known since the 17th century, at the time when Europe invaded Mexico, the Incas particularly held them in high regard.

It should also be noted that if you decide to acquire a Military Macaw as a pet, it will be necessary to verify that the bird was bred in captivity. Although it is not high on the list of parrots in demand, nonetheless, the military macaw is sometimes bred in captivity specifically for trading purposes.

While the Military Macaw is similar in disposition to the Blue and Gold Macaw, it can display a bit of a temper akin to the Scarlet Macaw. They are a Macaw, which is synonymous with ‘noisy bird’ however proper training and socialization will prevent and eliminate unnecessary screaming, feather plucking, and the biting behavior that tends to develop as the Military Macaw approaches maturity. They are typically a one person bird and optimal for single bird owners however socialization at an early age and regular training will curb their jealous and possessive tendencies.

Therefore, if you are seeking to acquire a macaw, you have a variety of species to choose from that reflects the temperament and disposition that best suits your ability to care for the macaw and its needs. As with all parrots, however, proper training and attention can render the Military Macaw not only friendly, but a wonderful companion as well.