Red-and-green Macaw
The Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloropterus), also known as the Green-winged Macaw, is a large mostly-red macaw of the Ara genus.
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| Red-and-green Macaw |
image source: http://flickr.com/photos/90106931@N00
This is the largest of the Ara genus, widespread in the forests and woodlands of northern and central South America. However, in common with other macaws, in recent years there has been a marked decline in its numbers due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the parrot trade.
Description
The Red-and-green Macaw can be readily identified from the Scarlet Macaw as whilst the breast of both birds is bright red, the upper-wing covert feathers of the Red-and-green Macaw are mostly green but can occasionally sport a few yellow feathers above the band of green (as opposed to mostly yellow, or a strong mix of yellow and green in the Scarlet Macaw). In addition, the Red-and-green Macaw has characteristic red lines around the eyes formed by rows of tiny feathers on the otherwise bare white skin patch; this is one of the biggest differences from a Scarlet Macaw to the casual viewer. Iridescent teal feathers are surrounded by red on the tail. If seen together, the Red-and-Green Macaw is clearly larger than the Scarlet Macaw as well.
It is second only in size to the Hyacinth Macaw, the largest bird of the macaw family. The wingspan of the Red-and-green Macaw can be up to 49 inches (125 cm), with a total body length of 35–37 inches (90–95 cm). A healthy adult will weigh between 1,250 and 1,700 grams (2.7-3.7 lbs).
The Red-and-green Macaw has a very powerful beak which can generate a pressure of 2000 psi and can snap a broomstick in half. This powerful beak has evolved to crush or open even the hardest nuts and seeds.
Behavior
The Red-and-green Macaw generally mates for life. The female typically lays two or three eggs in a nest made in a hole in a tree. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 90 days after hatching.
Aviculture
This species is regarded as an affectionate pet. They require food, water and a large cage.
