Parrot Hut

Military Macaw

The Military macaw (Ara militaris), is a lively, energetic bird and is considered one of the larger macaws, though it's slightly smaller at 27-29 inches than the Blue and Gold macaw. There are three sub-species of Military macaw, though they look quite similar to the untrained eye with just slight shades of green differentiating them. There's no difference in companion quality between the three subspecies. It is thought that the majority of these macaws sold in the United States are of the Mexican variety, a little larger than the other two.

In the wild, the Military can be found in Bolivia, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, northern Peru, and Argentina. Wild Military macaws nest high in canyon walls in crags in the cliffs, and they will also nest in hollow trees like other macaws. They are frequently found in arid environments, woodlands, and semi-arid terrain near water. The Military is found in small "squadrons," between two and eight birds traveling together at a time. It has all but disappeared in some of its natural habitat and is on the CITES I list of endangered species. This bird may not be easy to acquire, but some breeders have put effort into keeping the species in the pet trade. Still, the bird's overall green color makes it less flashy than the other macaws, the possible reason for lacking the popularity of the Blue and Gold or the Scarlet.

The Military macaw is sometimes confused with the Buffon's macaw, but if you put the two side by side, it's easy to tell the difference - the Buffon's is much larger in comparison to the Military, and though the coloring is remarkably similar, the Buffon's has a much more prominent tuft of red feathers at the base of the upper mandible. Both macaws have a rose-colored naked face-patch that blushes bright red when the birds are excited.

The Military macaw earns its title only though its "military attire." It looks as if it's getting ready to march in a parade in full regalia. But its personality is less "salty sailor" than boisterous recruit. It is great at "buffaloing" its human friends, putting on a good show of being aggressive, when in fact, the bird is often bluffing. Most of individuals can be socialized to be sweet and affectionate.

The Military macaw should get along with other large macaws, and even the larger of the minis, but each bird is an individual, and some won't want another bird in their "foxhole."

This bird isn't any noisier than the other macaws, which is to say, the neighbors will know the bird is there. They are known to repeat words and phrases, and will whistle, but aren't the best talkers in the parrot community.

If properly socialized, this bird has a wonderful temperament, and makes a great companion. Like most birds, if it is left alone for too long, confined, or mistreated, it can become irritable, snappish, and may become ill or self-mutilate.

Bathing is important for the overall condition of this bird, so invest in a shower perch. There's no need for fancy bathing solutions - just plain water will do.

Owners should know that the Military needs a great deal of hands-on attention and time outside of its "barracks." Most of these birds are mischievous, and shouldn't be left alone in a place where it can chew on something it shouldn't, like electric wires, treated wood, and other toxic items. The Military macaw's beak is powerful, and it can easily destroy furniture and other household items.

Like all of the larger macaws with long tails, the Military needs a large cage. This bird's feathers, especially the tail, will become ratty in a smaller cage, and the bird will look terrible, and be miserable as well. A tall cage is important, one with a dome top or a top that opens to become a playtop. The horizontal space should be no less than four feet wide, with plenty of room to spread and flap the wings - but bigger is better. All doors on the cage should have bird-proof locks - this macaw is better than Houdini at getting out of its quarters.

Handfeeding and young Military macaws can be fussy eaters, and need a lot of encouragement to consume their daily rations. Young Military macaws need a diet that's higher in fat and protein than some other macaws. Once the bird is fully weaned, a base diet of seed and pellets, along with a wide variety of fresh foods, vegetables, fruits, and healthy cooked foods is recommended. If cared for properly, the Military macaw can live to be over 60 years old. This bird may not be as flashy as its larger cousins, but it certainly doesn't lack in the personality department, and makes a good "front line" companion for anyone who chooses to call it out of the reserves.