Great green macaw

Scientific name: Ara ambiguus

IUCN listed as: Critically Endangered

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Everyday

Diet

The Great Green Macaw’s diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, hard-shelled nuts, and flowers. They are particularly fond of the seeds of the mountain almond tree, which is crucial for their nutrition and also serves as a nesting site. These macaws are highly dependent on the availability of fruiting trees in their habitat, making their diet closely linked to the forest ecosystem. In captivity, their diet is supplemented with a variety of fruits, nuts, and specially formulated bird food to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. This varied diet is essential for maintaining their vibrant plumage and overall health.

 

Great Green Macaws eat seeds, fruits, nuts, and flowers. They love the seeds from mountain almond trees. In zoos, they get a mix of fruits and nuts to stay healthy. This helps them keep their bright feathers and stay strong.

 

Breeding

Great Green Macaws form strong pair bonds, often mating for life. The breeding season typically occurs in the rainy season when food is plentiful. They nest in large tree cavities, usually high above the ground to protect their eggs from predators. Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are incubated for about 26-28 days. Both parents take part in feeding and raising the chicks, which fledge after approximately three months.

 

These macaws usually have babies during the rainy season. They make nests in big trees and lay 2-3 eggs. Both parents help take care of the chicks. The chicks can fly after about three months.

 

Habitat

The Great Green Macaw inhabits humid lowland forests and foothill forests in Central and South America, including countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. They prefer forests with large trees that provide nesting sites and food sources. Unfortunately, habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and logging poses a significant threat to their populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical habitats and promoting sustainable land-use practices.

 

Great Green Macaws live in the rainforests of Central and South America. They need big trees for food and nests. Many forests are being cut down, which is bad for them. Protecting their homes is very important.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, Great Green Macaws are housed in spacious aviaries that mimic their natural habitat, providing ample space for flying and climbing. These environments are enriched with branches and nesting sites to encourage natural behaviours. Zoos play a critical role in the conservation of these macaws through breeding programs and educational initiatives. By raising awareness about the threats these birds face, zoos help garner support for conservation efforts. Regular health checks and a balanced diet are essential to keep these macaws healthy in captivity.

 

In zoos, Great Green Macaws live in big aviaries that look like their natural home. Zoos help protect these birds by breeding them and teaching people about them. They get regular health check-ups and a good diet. Zoos also help people learn how to protect their habitats.

 

Behaviour

Great Green Macaws are social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are known for their loud, raucous calls, which they use to communicate with each other. These macaws are highly intelligent and exhibit complex social behaviours, including cooperative breeding and strong pair bonds. They are also known for their impressive flying skills, often seen soaring gracefully above the canopy. Understanding their behaviour is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and ensuring their survival.

These macaws are very social and like to be in pairs or small groups. They make loud calls to talk to each other. They are smart and have strong family bonds. Knowing how they behave helps us protect them better.

Fun facts

  • Colourful Feathers: Great Green Macaws have bright green feathers with red foreheads and blue on their tails.
  • Strong Beaks: Their beaks are powerful enough to crack open hard nuts.
  • Long Lifespan: They can live up to 60 years in the wild.
  • Great Flyers: They are excellent flyers, often seen soaring high above the forest.
  • Social Birds: They are very social and often seen in flocks.
  • Bright Colours: These macaws have bright green feathers with red and blue spots.
  • Strong Beaks: Their strong beaks can break open hard nuts.
  • Long Lives: They can live up to 60 years.
  • Amazing Flyers: They are great at flying high above the trees.
  • Friendly Birds: They love being in groups and talking to each other.

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