The Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus) is a large, strikingly beautiful parrot known for its brilliant red plumage, green and blue wing feathers, and calm yet social temperament. Native to Central and South American rainforests, this macaw is often referred to as the “gentle giant” of the macaw family due to its affectionate nature and intelligence.
While similar in size to the Scarlet Macaw, the Green-winged Macaw is distinguishable by the green band on its wings and larger white facial patches with fine red feather lines.
Green-winged Macaw Characteristics
Size: 36–40 inches (91–102 cm) in length, including tail.
Weight: 1,000–1,700 grams.
Lifespan: 50–80+ years with proper care.
Color: Bright red body, green mid-wings, blue flight feathers, and white facial skin lined with red feather stripes.
Temperament: Intelligent, gentle, affectionate, and social.
Green-winged Macaw Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Green-winged Macaws are intelligent, affectionate, and social parrots that form strong bonds with their owners and thrive in households where they receive daily interaction and attention.
They are playful and enjoy learning tricks, foraging, and cuddling with their owners, but due to their size and powerful beaks, they require experienced handlers who can provide proper training and socialization.
Green-winged Macaws are vocal but generally less prone to constant screaming compared to some other macaws, although they can still be loud, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Diet and Feeding
A varied, balanced diet is critical for your Green-winged Macaw’s health:
Pellets: Should form the foundation of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes.
Fruits (in moderation): Apples, berries, mango, melon, papaya.
Nuts: Used for enrichment and healthy fats, in moderation.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and high-salt or sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Very large cage or aviary required; minimum 36” x 48” x 60” with 1–1.5 inch bar spacing, but larger is highly recommended.
- Exercise: 4–6 hours of supervised out-of-cage activity daily.
- Enrichment: Foraging toys, chew toys, ropes, and puzzle feeders to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
- Social needs: Daily human interaction and socialization are essential.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and opportunities for bathing or misting.
- Veterinary care: Annual check-ups with an avian vet.
Common Health Problems
Green-winged Macaws may develop:
- Feather plucking: Due to boredom, stress, or nutritional deficiencies.
- Obesity: If diet lacks variety and exercise is limited.
- Fatty liver disease: From excessive high-fat foods.
- Psittacosis: A bacterial infection transmissible to humans.
Monitor for changes in droppings, appetite, feather condition, and behavior, and seek prompt veterinary care if concerns arise.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $2,500–$5,500 USD depending on breeder reputation, region, and age.
- Where to buy:
- Ethical breeders who hand-raise and socialize chicks.
- Avian specialty stores with health records and proper socialization.
- Parrot rescues and adoption organizations for those interested in rehoming.
Green-winged Macaws are long-lived and require a lifelong commitment.
Are Green-winged Macaws Good Pets?
Green-winged Macaws can be excellent companions for experienced owners ready to provide the space, daily interaction, and enrichment these large, intelligent parrots require.
They are affectionate, trainable, and social.
However, their size, noise level, and potential destructiveness require commitment and understanding of macaw-specific needs.
Conservation Note
While not critically endangered, Green-winged Macaws are threatened by habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade in some areas. Always choose captive-bred macaws from ethical breeders or adopt from rescues to support conservation and responsible ownership.