Military Macaw

The **military macaw** (*Ara militaris*) is a large parrot and a medium-sized macaw that gets its name from its predominantly green plumage resembling a military parade uniform. It is native to forests of Mexico and South America and though considered vulnerable in the wild, it is still commonly found in the pet trade industry.

## Origin and History

Military macaws are native to Central America and South America. Their range generally extends from Mexico to Argentina. Unlike other parrots, military macaws tend to prefer arid lands over tropical rainforests. You can also find them in dry forests and in trees near the water. However, some of the South American flocks live in humid, lowland forests as well as canyons and foothills.

There are two subspecies of this macaw: the Mexican military macaw and the Bolivian military macaw. The Mexican military macaw (*Ara militaris mexicana*) is the largest; it primarily inhabits Mexico. The Bolivian military macaw (*Ara militaris boliviana*) has a range that extends from Bolivia to northern Argentina.

This bird is a protected species; it is considered vulnerable for extinction. Though the overall population exceeds 10,000, habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade have made some regional populations endangered.

Historically, the military macaw has been on record since the 1500s when Europeans first came to the new world. Its name derives from the military personnel who brought them back to Europe. It also alludes to their olive green coloring that resembles "military green."

This macaw is a popular species used for breeding hybrid macaws in captivity, such as calico macaws, milicinth macaws, and miligold macaws.

## Taxonomy

The military macaw's name comes from the resemblance of their plumage to a military uniform. There are three subspecies of *Ara militaris*, *A. m. militaris*, *A. m. mexicana*, and *A. m. boliviana*. The primary differences between the subspecies are location and small variations in size and plumage. The difference in size is generally 70–80 cm (28–31 in), with the *militaris* subspecies being the smallest and the *mexicana* being the largest.

## Description

The military macaw is 70.5 cm (27.8 in) long on average, 99–110 (33–43 in) across the wings and weighs 900–1,100 grams (2–2.4 lbs). Military macaws are mostly green with light blue and yellow flight and tail feathers and a bright red patch on their forehead. Their face is bare and white in color with black striations. The large strong beak is grey-black and the iris is yellow.

They greatly resemble great green macaws and are usually distinguished from great green macaws by their smaller size, completely black bill, and overall darker color.[2] They can also be separated by differences in vocalization and the tendency for great green macaws to be a humid forest species while military macaws are usually a deciduous forest species. Phylogenetic studies have shown that the two species are sister clades.

## Temperament

The military macaw is an easily tamed, good-natured bird. In the wild, they are rarely alone, living in pairs or flocks of 10 to 20 birds. In captivity, It is not unusual for this bird to prefer one person or even one gender. It is essential to introduce it to a variety of people, so it remains friendly in all social situations.

A gregarious and intelligent parrot, military macaws are a popular choice for bird shows. Training them is relatively easy with treats, and they love to learn tricks. Some even become potty trained to only go in their cage.

## Speech and Vocalizations

Though this bird is not naturally as good a talker as other parrots, you can train it to be talkative and it can learn a handful of words and phrases.

Like all macaws, these birds will rise with the sun each morning, and they scream to let you know they are up. This alarming call happens again in the evening when readying for bedtime. While they're generally considered one of the quieter macaws, they can screech and have a distinct croak. This noise level is usually not suitable for apartment or condominium living.

## Military Macaw Colors and Markings

Military macaws are mainly green with more bright lime green on the head that progresses into darker and olive greens on the body. They have brilliant blue edging on their wings and a bright red tuft on their foreheads. Their tail feathers include browns and reds with a yellow-olive tint underneath.

These birds have bold black beaks and dark gray legs and feet. Their eyes are framed by the classic bare macaw facial patches, each with concentric rings of small black feathers.

This is a monomorphic species, meaning males and females look alike. DNA or surgical sexing are the only ways to determine whether the bird is male or female.

## Diet and Nutrition

Military macaws feast on seeds, berries, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Pet military macaws should eat a similar diet made up of a high-quality seed or pellet mix and fresh bird-safe fruits and vegetables.

Macaw owners often find that their bird likes to join them for dinner. You can feed them nutritious "people food" on occasion, including small amounts of protein like chicken. If it's healthy, natural, and generally considered "good for you," it should be good for your bird as well. The exceptions are avocado, chocolate, and rhubarb, which are toxic to birds.

## Exercise

In the wild, military macaws fly several hundred miles a day. In captivity, regular exercise is essential. Owners should make sure that their pets are allowed a minimum of 2 to 4 hours of playtime outside of their cages every day. This activity time gives the birds a way of stretching their wings, exercising their beaks, and will provide mental stimulation as a bonus.