Buffon's Macaw

Distribution:
   The Buffon's Macaw, also known as the Great Green Macaw or Grand Military Macaw, is found in Central America from southeastern Honduras to western Columbia, and in western Ecuador. The two subspecies are found in distinctly separate regions; with the nominate species in the northern parts, (Honduras through Columbia, and the other in the southern parts, Ecuador and possibly southwestern Columbia. They inhabit the treetops of forests in tropical and subtropical zones.

Description:
   The Buffon's Macaw, also known as the Great Green Macaw, is very similar in appearance to the Military Macaw, (which was also referred to as the "Great Green Macaw in the early 19th century!) The primary differences is that the Buffon's Macaw is a larger bird and its general color is a lighter, more yellowish green. The two subspecies are also very similar, primarily distinguished by place of origin and very slight size and color differences.
   Overall, the Buffon's Macaw is green with pale blue on the lower back, over the rump, and onto the upper part of the tail. The rest of the tail is a pale brownish red, tipped with blue. The forehead and the feathered lines on the lore is red. The bare facial area is white with a pink cast to it and black feathered lines. The legs are gray. The beak is also gray, though paler towards the tip, and the eye is a dull yellow.
    A younger bird will be paler overall, especially on the undersides and it's central tail feathers are tipped with a dull yellow. They also have a brown eye.

Size - Weight:
   The Buffon's Macaw is a full sized macaw and reaches about 33 " (85 cm) in length.

Care and feeding:
   A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. They eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat.

   See About Macaws: Housing and About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
   Buffon's Macaws are lovable, friendly, and intelligent. Macaws can be quite loud, being especially loud when anticipating interaction with you. They will also mirror your moods, so if you are agitated, they can become agitated. If you are happy and loving, well so is your pet. In the wild they they are usually seen in pairs, family groups of three, or small group of up to a dozen. They are rarely seen alone. They are a social bird and enjoy the company of their flock or of a mate as well.

   See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Though on a small scale, the Buffon's Macaw is successfully being bred in captivity in the United States. The usual clutch consists of two to four eggs which incubate for about 26 days. The babies will leave the nest after about 84 days, but will stay with their parents for up to a year.
   Feed the parents additional high-fat seeds, like sunflower seed, during the breeding season. The young will also require a high-fat diet as well as additional protein.
   See About Macaws: Breeding/Reproduction for information on breeding.

Sexual differences: No visible differences.

Potential Problems:
   See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:
   Buffon's Macaws, though still rather rare, are becoming more available due to successful captive breeding. Do to their scarcity they are among the most expensive of the macaws. Hopefully as they become more available through increased breeding, they will also become less expensive.