Green-Winged Macaw
The Green-winged macaw is a large, striking bird, and is one of the largest macaw species. Known for its powerful beak, this macaw can easily crack tough nuts and manipulate food. Despite its imposing beak, it has earned a reputation as a gentle giant. Their vivid plumage features a blend of vibrant reds, greens, and blues, with a particularly noticeable green band at the centre of the wings. They are also highly expressive, using vocalisations and body language, such as fluffing, bowing, and head bobbing, to communicate. With a wingspan of up to 122.5 cm and a weight of 1250 to 1700 grams, they are a magnificent sight in flight.
Diet
They are herbivorous, primarily feeding on seeds, fruits, nuts, blossoms, leaves, and berries. They also visit clay licks to consume mineral-rich clay, which helps neutralise toxins in their food. This behaviour aids digestion and detoxification. Additionally, they eat tree bark, adding variety to their diet in the tropical rainforest.
FUN FACT
Green-winged macaws typically breed between January and July, during which the female will lay 2 to 3 eggs, incubating them for around 26 days. Nests are often found in tree hollows, providing safety from predators. The chicks remain with their parents for approximately 3 months after hatching. They form monogamous pairs, often staying with the same mate for life. Their social structure extends beyond the breeding season, as they travel and live together year-round. These birds are also incredibly social and can form small flocks of 6 to 12 individuals, particularly when feeding. They are known to communicate loudly, especially when in larger groups at feeding trees or clay licks. Their impressive flying abilities allow them to reach speeds of up to 56km/h.
LIFE SPAN
30 - 50 years.
HABITAT
The forests, marshlands and savannahs in Northern South America.
