Common name: Green Winged Macaw
Latin name: Ara chloropera
Length: 95 cms / 37 inches
Weight: 1100 – 1300 grams
Life Span: up to 60 years
Origin: Mexico, Central America, South America
Noise Level: Loud!
Intelligence
A bit more outgoing than some of the other macaws, the green-winged macaw will most likely make a very affectionate pet. They are also known to be the more intelligent of the genus. Green winged macaws can adapt very quickly to a new environment and will soon become an outstandingly loving member of the family.
Talking ability
Very good, but remember that macaws like these are loud!
Feather Plucking
Whilst it is not as common in these macaws (as in African Grey parrots or cockatoos), to feather pluck, it does still happen. They do require lots of mental stimulation.
Housing for your Green Winged Macaw
- The cage that you purchase must be as large as possible.
- As a rule, your bird should have access to a large enclosure, at least 15m long, in which to fly for part of the year.
- The indoor cage should be situated in a part of the house where the bird will have plenty of contact with people.
- Strong toys are a must, as the Green winged macaw (like other macaws) is a prolific chewers!
- They should be allowed a minimum of 3 – 4 hours out of cage time per day.
Feeding your Green Winged Macaw
- They are not known to be fussy eaters.
- Ideally, feed a pellet-based diet supplemented with various foods including soaked or sprouted sunflower seed; walnuts, peanuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, pine nuts; corn on the cob, banana, orange; slices of wholemeal bread, small amounts of cubes of cheddar cheese. The nuts should be offered occasionally rather than regularly.
- Provide some extra protein in the form of cooked lean chicken and boiled egg.
- Fresh clean water should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be washed daily.
Conclusion
In summary, Green winged macaws are prolific chewers and their beaks can overgrow, so provide plenty of hard wooden blocks and other hard toys to give their beaks a good workout. Because green winged macaws are incredibly sociable and live in large flocks in the wild, they always need plenty of daily interaction with fellow flock members (aka humans!) These birds enjoy being part of the daily household routines.
Although they are “rowdy, loving, intelligent and LOUD”, they do make wonderful pets, but are really only suited to owners who are dedicated, responsible, and very well informed.
