The Military Macaw is found in the forests of Mexico to South America. There are 3 subspecies; militaris, mexicana and boliviana which are distinguished from one another by their geographic location and slight colour changes. Their numbers have decreased to less than 10 000 in total.

They weigh from 900 – 1100 grams (2 – 2.4 lbs) and are mostly green with blue flight feathers and a red tail bordered by blue. They are a mid sized macaw.

Their diet consists of seeds nuts and berries. They also eat from clay deposits which are thought to neutralize poisons found in the food they eat.

Military Macaws are monogamous and form pair bonds for life. They live in small groups of about 10 birds. They can live up to 60 years.

Fun Facts

In 2006 they were listed in Appendix 1 of CITES which means they are supposedly protected from capture or trade. It is not illegal to sell captive born birds which can fetch 800 – 1000 dollars