MILITARY MACAWS
The Military Macaw, Ara Militaris, is a beautiful bird that makes a magnificent pet. His coloring is predominantly green with hues ranging from olive to emerald green. The feathers on his lower back and rolling down to the top of his tail feathers are a brilliant turquoise. The Military Macaw’s tail feathers are a mixture of sky blue, burgundy, and streaks of green. The underneath of the tail feathers are a bright lemon yellow.
The name Military Macaw probably was given to this macaw because members of the military were the first to begin importing them from Mexico to Europe. They are slightly smaller than other macaws, measuring 26 to 29 inches in length with a wingspan of 39 to 43 inches, although the Scarlet Macaw, at an average 32 to 36 inches in length is smaller, as is the Blue and Gold Macaw, at an average 32 to 35 inches in length.
Military Macaws com from Mexico and Central America living in scattered small pockets from Mexico to northwestern Argentina. They live in flocks as large as 40 birds or they can live in pairs or with small family groups. Their natural habitat is arid grasslands. In the wild, they roost in the outer branches at the top of trees.
January through march is the Military Macaw’s breeding season when the female will lay up to four eggs. Incubation time is 28 days. The male does not help with incubation or with tending the young.
There are three recognized subspecies of the Military Macaw: Ara M, Militaris, Ara M. Mexicana and Ara M. Boliviana. Most of the Military Macaws for sale in the United States are believed to be from the Mexicana subspecies, which is the largest, but only by a small margin, of the three subspecies.
Military Macaws have a reputation as being biters and difficult to manage. However, a properly trained and cared for Military Macaw can be a loving, affectionate pet with little or no tendency to bite. Providing parrot cages with adequate room for exercise is essential in keeping your Macaw healthy and happy.
African Greys | Nanday Conures | Blue Fronted Parrots | Cockatiels | Caiques
English Budgies | Military Macaws | Harlequin Macaws | Cockatoos
