Military Macaw

The Military Macaw is a medium-large, mostly green macaw named for its olive-green plumage reminiscent of a military uniform. It occupies a broad but patchy range through montane and foothill regions from Mexico to Argentina.

The body is olive to grass-green, with the crown and rump showing brighter blue, and a distinctive red patch on the forehead above the bill. The tail is reddish-brown above with a blue tip, contrasting with olive-yellow underneath. The bare facial skin is whitish with fine dark feather lines, similar in pattern to other Ara macaws.

Key field marks

• Predominantly olive-green body plumage
• Red patch on the forehead
• Blue rump and blue-tipped tail
• Bare whitish face with thin dark feather lines

Similar species

The Military Macaw can resemble the Great Green (Buffon's) Macaw, which is larger, paler yellowish-green, and has a reddish rather than blue-tipped tail overall. Range and habitat, particularly the Military Macaw's association with foothill canyons, also help separate the two where ranges approach.

Range

The Military Macaw has a highly disjunct distribution from western Mexico south through Central America to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina.

Habitat

It favors subtropical and tropical forest along foothill canyons and river gorges, as well as pine-oak woodland at moderate elevations, often roosting and nesting on steep cliff faces.

Movements

Generally sedentary, though flocks may move seasonally to track fruiting trees, and can travel considerable daily distances between roosting cliffs and feeding areas.

Social behavior

Military Macaws are typically seen in pairs or small flocks, often gathering in larger numbers at cliff roosts, which can be spectacular at dawn and dusk as birds fly to and from ledges.

Voice

Calls are loud, harsh, raucous squawks and screeches, typical of large macaws, given especially in flight.

Feeding

They forage in trees for fruits, nuts, and seeds, including unripe seeds that most other animals avoid, using their strong bill to break tough husks.

Nesting and breeding

Pairs typically nest in cavities or crevices on steep cliff faces, and occasionally in large tree hollows, laying 2-3 eggs. They form long-term pair bonds and defend nest sites vigorously against intruders.