Military macaw

The military macaw is a striking parrot native to Mexico and South America, easily identifiable by its vibrant green plumage, reminiscent of a military uniform. There are three subspecies of this parrot, each exhibiting slight variations in size and feather patterns. These birds are fairly large, measuring about 70-80 cm in length. Their feathers are primarily green, accented with splashes of blue and yellow. They have a distinctive red patch on their foreheads and a white face with black streaks.

Military macaws are social creatures, often found in noisy, large flocks. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and leaves. When it comes to breeding, these macaws are quite affectionate. They engage in pair-bonding behaviors, such as grooming each other and even regurgitating food for their mates. They prefer to nest in natural cavities found in trees or cliffs, and their breeding season spans from March to October.

These birds typically reside in tropical deciduous forests at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 meters. Unfortunately, the military macaw is considered a vulnerable species, primarily due to habitat loss. It is estimated that there are only about 2,000-7,000 of these birds left in the wild.

Conservation efforts are focused on preventing their capture and trade, as well as addressing issues related to genetic diversity and their limited diet. Despite these efforts, illegal trafficking continues to pose a significant threat to their survival.