Animal-World > Birds > Macaw Types > Large Macaw Parrots > Military Macaw

Military Macaw

Family: Psittacidae

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Military Macaw - "Kippit"Ara militarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

     The Military Macaw is a big beautiful green macaw, and was even referred to as the "Great Green Macaw" in early writings (a name also applied to the Buffon's Macaw)!

     Though the Military Macaw doesn't have quite as brilliant a mixture of colors as that found in many of the large macaws, it is a very impressive parrot. It is very similar to the Buffon's Macaw but is a bit smaller and a brighter green. With good interaction and attention, a Military Macaw can become quite tame and friendly. It is a favorite macaw not only to keep as a pet, but because it is readily trainable, the Military Macaw is often used as an entertainer.

     The Military Macaws have been recognized, and kept as pet birds, for a very long time. It has been said that they first became well known to Europeans at the time of the invasion of Mexico. References made during the invasion indicate the bird was quite valuable to the Incas as well. There are other early references to this bird in 1609 and again in 1741. Early in the 19th century, P. J. Selby referred to this bird as the "Great Green Macaw" and describes the Military Macaws color as being a "fine and lively green" (The name 'Great Green Macaw' was also used to describe the Buffon's Macaw at that time.)

     Like all macaws, the Military Macaw is quite inquisitive and intelligent. They are considered to be fair talkers and are excellent at learning tricks, a good choice for a show bird. "Kippit" shown in the picture above is a five month old Military Macaw. He is a juvenile Military Macaw that has been well socialized with lots of people. He is alert and always enjoys interacting and getting treats.

For information about the care of Macaws see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Macaw

Scientific name:     Military Macaw - Ara militaris

Subspecies: Ara militaris militarisAra militaris mexicanaAra militaris boliviana

Distribution:      The Military Macaws are native to Central and South America and Mexico. There are three subspecies of the Military Macaw distinguished mostly by the distinct location from which they come. The A. m. militaris is found in the northwestern part of Venezuela to eastern Ecuador and northern Peru, the A. m. mexicana is found in Mexico except in the rain forest zones, and the A. m. boliviana is found in the tropical zones of Bolivia and the nothern part of Argentina.

Description:      The Military Macaw has a general green plumage, though the head is a lighter green, the throat is olive green, and there is an olive tinge to the back and wings. The lower back, rump, and the outer edges of the wings and tail are blue.They have a bright red forehead and a faint bluish tinge on the hindneck. The tail is a brownish-red on top and olive-green on the underside. They have a bare face patch lined with small greenish black feathers. The beak is gray-black and the eyes are yellow.     There are three subspecies of the Military Macaw and they are all very similar in appearance, though the A. m. boliviana has a reddish-brown throat and darker blues on the outer wings.

Size - Weight:      The Military Macaw is a full sized macaw, though they are a bit smaller than several of the other large macaws. These birds are about 25"-27" (70-75 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:     The Military Macaw can become a good pet. These intelligent macaws can get along with more

Military Macaw - "Kippit"

     "Kippit" shown in the pictures to the right is a five month old Military Macaw. This friendly fellow has been socialized with lots of people and enjoys receiving attention, petting, and being held. He enjoys posing, and loves to ge rewarded with treats.

"Kippit" enjoys a snack!

Handling/Training :      The Military Macaw is intelligent and eager for attention and play. It has a good disposition and responds well to handling and training.

Dr. Jungle exclaims,"let the show begin!...

     Having had the opportunity to see Joe Krathwohl, The Birdman of Las Vegas, and his birds perform in Las Vegas was a real treat for Dr. Jungle and the crew. A Military Macaw was one of the main performers for Joe Krathwohl, The Birdman of Las Vegas. His Military really stole the show. Joe also features a Military Macaw in his wonderful bird video, "The Complete Bird Training Video". It is a super resource for working with macaws or any pet parrot.

Breeding/Reproduction:      The usual clutch consists of two or three eggs which incubate for about 26 days. The babies will fledge after about 3 months in the nest. Feed the parents plenty of greenstuffs, corn-on-the-cob, carrots, and fruit laced with food supplement while they are rearing the youngsters.

     See About Macaws: Breeding/Reproduction for information on breeding.

Sexual differences:      No visible differences.

Potential Problems:     Can be noisy (as can all macaws).   See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:      This bird is not in as much demand as the more brilliantly colored large macaws. So though it is commonly bred, it is not as available as a pet as other types of macaws. But occasionally you can find these macaws for sale.

Clarice Brough, CAS.

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Latest Comments
We have a 4 year old Military Macaw. She is very outgoing, clowny and silly. She loves making me laugh. When I start laughing, she'll do a whispery laugh. True to their reputation, Militaries can very much be nippy, but ours was raised with boundaries and she's very respectful with her beak. They are not a bird for everyone. Her call is more shrill than our Blue and Gold's, so be prepared for that. She's an okay talker. We're still working on reinforcing her existing vocabulary. I happen to LOVE the Military. The few I have known are very active and need lots of toys to keep that beak out of trouble! They also like to hang upsidedown in their cages like bats. They are a riot. We love our girl. Owned by a Military 2008-11-19
I've had Benito for 8 years now, raising him from a bald little baby. He lives outside next to the window where he "visits" with me. For the first 6 years, Benny slept indoors on a perch, but never once messed on the floor. Every morning, he comes into my bedroom and sticks his tongue in my ear and says "Edwardo!". He picks up words on his own and has started calling me "Appa". Although I say his name constantly, he has never said his own name. My parrots all say "Benny" though. He definitely changed my life! Edward W. 2007-09-24
I think military macaws are the coolest pets ever. I just recently got one and i have bonded with it more than anybody else could. His name is Fred Kay and he is really protective of me. Tanner Kay 2007-01-05
My military just came home last week, I wanted a blue & gold or a greenwing. I was looking on the net and found a guy that had two 4 month olds and I answered his ad and drove to see them. I couldn't believe how alive the colors looked. The net does nothing for the looks. My military macaw is named Chief, and he is spoiled already. He has never nipped me hard, except one time when he was slopping off of my arm and tried to grab my shirt. He got a mouthful of skin and shirt. He calls during the day some and almost whispers as the night comes in. This bird is really cool and I have taught him two tricks on command in just 3 days. These guys are very smart and love to be held as well as introduced to new games and get plenty of wood for them to chew and a good hanging toy and you get one happy bird; Don't forget a peanut or two a day! bigdj315 2006-10-03
My MM Alex, is one of 4 parrots, 2 U2's, B&G. By far my MM is the sweetest and the least "loud". She was cage bound for 6 years prior to our rescuing her. We use a great hepa or better air filitration system. B&G is separate due to dust. Rest in birdroom. My MM loves all the birds and is an avid chatterer, singer and truly my favorite, as far as attitude. She is nippy with hubby and most men. She layed an egg last January (non-fertile). I rescue and rehab. NO BREEDING/BUYING/SELLING. cockatoolou 2006-03-17

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