Military Macaw
Ara militaris
CLASS: Aves
ORDER: Psittaciformes
FAMILY: Psittacidae
SIZE:
16 to 18 inches
RANGE:
Tropical South America and Mexico
HABITAT:
Forests near watercourses; arid and semi-arid regions
DIET:
Wild - seeds, fruits, nuts berries and probably vegetable matter
Zoo - parrot mix and fruits
DESCRIPTION:
Dull, olive green; forehead deep red; beak blackish; wings deep, dull bluish-red
ADAPTATIONS:
Roost in large groups making regular AM and PM plights to feeding grounds. Remain paired in flocks.
Screech loudly as approached and rise rapidly into the air
Characterized by slow, shallow wing beats.
Large powerful beaks used to crack open very hard nutshells
Strong beak also used as third foot to help climb
YOUNG/NESTS:
Nests In hollow of tree lined with coarse wood dust
*Rarely found near human habitation due to shooting and collecting
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