Green Wing Macaw Facts:

The Magnificent Green Wing Macaw

Looking for one of the largest companion birds available?  Have plenty of space for a super sized cage and a super sized bird? The magnificent Green wing Macaw may be just the bird you’re looking for.  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. Besides their color, one of the most dramatic physical features of the green wing Macaw is their size. They grow to 36 inches in length and have a tremendous wingspan

They’re native to humid tropical forests ranging from Central and South America to Peru and Brazil.  Unfortunately due to deforestation and the pet trade, they’re on the endangered species list and they’re not available for importation. 

They’re magnificence continues onto their personality.  They’re very intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and speak about 15-20 words.  While many Macaws, the Scarlet Macaw specifically are considered more aggressive than many other parrots, the green wing is the opposite.  They’re known as Gentle Giants.

Properly socialized, they will do well in a family or with a single owner.    They’re also known to be cuddly and playful.  They have powerful beaks a wonderful chewing habit. 

It is extremely important to keep their cage stocked with many parrot toys they can destroy to keep them entertained throughout the day. It also helps keep their beaks in good shape; their beaks have a tendency to become overgrown if they don’t have enough to chew on. 

Green Wing Macaw Common problems include nipping or beaking and screaming.  As young chicks, they’re prone to be a bit nippy however proper socialization and training from an early age will help to eliminate the problem and prevent future biting behaviors. 

You don’t want a biting habit to develop with a bird that has a beak as strong and powerful as the green wing Macaw.  The green wing Macaw is also known to be a bit noisy and is described as having rough, hoarse voices.  Health wise, they are susceptible to papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease, polyomavirus, psittacosis and vitamin-sensitivity.  In captivity they live about 50 years.

During breeding season, the green wing Macaw lays 2 to 3 white eggs.  The chicks hatch after 28 days. They fledge at about 90 days.  In the wild they eat fruits, figs, berries and nuts. 

In captivity they are easily modified to a pellet based diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Don’t forget to give them nuts and seeds for snacks or treats – they love nuts and seeds!

Green wing Macaws, unlike some Macaws, are capable of being companion birds for families with or without children.  They’re adaptable and gentle and when properly socialized, they will bond with all members of their family, though they do have a tendency to bond to one particular person. 

They require a very large cage, plenty of exercise and stimulation.  Due to their need to chew, they can wreak extreme havoc and destruction and need a variety of toys to chew on and constant supervision.  We also suggest a large stainless steel cage to avoid the chance of metal toxicity poisoning.  Leave them alone and you’ll come back to a different room, guaranteed. 

They’re hearty eaters and demand a clean environment, they deserve one too.  Regular bathing is required and taking them into your shower may be the easiest way to accomplish this.  They make shower perches just for this.  Their ability to fly means you’ll probably want to clip their primary flying feathers, or risk losing them out the window or open door! 

Green wing Macaws are a wonderful and dynamic bird. With proper training, socialization, and optimal care, they are fantastic companion birds. For more information on training and socializing sign up for our free newsletter.