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Information Regarding the Great Green Macaw Despite their vibrant beauty, great green macaws are under threat. They are one of the most endangered species in the aviculture industry and their natural habitat is threatened by the destruction of forests. MRN works to protect their habitat and to create corridors that connect protected areas. MRN partners with local communities to educate them about the value of these species. Habitat Despite being among the most beautiful and intelligent parrots, the green macaw has faced a number of threats in recent decades. In glaucous macaw , the species is listed as critically endangered by BirdLife International. Habitat loss, unsustainable logging, and agricultural conversion have dramatically reduced the birds' numbers and range. In addition, farmers often shoot these beautiful birds since they are viewed as pests to crops and capture birds to supply the pet trade. These beautiful birds live in humid lowland forest and forest edges. They feed primarily on mountain almond trees (Dipterix panamensis) and nest in tree cavities. They are renowned for their highly sociable behavior and living in families outside of the breeding season. Their wings and tail feathers have pointed, long tips to allow them to fly efficiently in the forest canopy. Their beaks are big and robust, allowing them open up the hard shells of nuts, seeds and even bark. They also enjoy eating fruits, roots, and flowers. The great green macaw is a vocal species and makes a variety calls to communicate with other members of their family and potential partners. Their calls are comprised of screeches whistles and squawks. These birds play a vital part in their ecosystems through dispersing seeds. The presence of this species in the wild helps to improve the health and diversity of rainforest habitats. They are an essential part of the food web, attracting animals such as insects and monkeys which help spread the seeds of trees and plants. There are a number of non-profit organizations working to preserve this magnificent bird's habitat. They are purchasing land to establish reserves and work with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods. They are implementing conservation methods to reduce contact between macaws and humans, and are providing opportunities for education so that people can learn more about this stunning and majestic bird. Seeing this magnificent creature in its natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience. Diet The great green macaw is a stunning bird that can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America. They spend their time in small groups, high in the trees, consuming seeds and nuts. They use their strong beaks to break up the hard shells of these items. This is why they are important seed dispersers and help maintain healthy forests. They also play a role in the ecosystem, providing food for other endangered species such as the Scarlet Macaw and Yellow-naped Amazon. This large parrot has a predominantly green body which is enhanced by splashes of red on the cheeks, foreheads and the lower back of their wings. The top of their heads are completely naked and they sport a long beak that has a strong curvature. The curve allows them to break open the hard shells on seeds and nuts. In the wild they eat a wide range of things such as seeds, bark and roots and also flowers, bulbs and fruits. The fruit of the Almendra Guayaquilensis mountain almond tree is a favorite. They also visit clay licks, which are places where the birds lick up clay, believing that it offers positive health benefits for them. Great green macaws are threatened in the wild due to habitat loss which means they cannot obtain enough food to sustain themselves. They are also seized illegally for the pet trade. The good news is, many organizations are working hard to protect this magnificent bird and ensure it has a safe home in the wild. World Land Trust, for example, supports reserves like the Rio Canande Reserve in Ecuador where artificial nests of macaws have been constructed. If you are keeping the birds as pets it is crucial to provide them with plenty of space and food that is similar to the one they would have in the wild. Fresh fruits and veggies should be served, particularly those high in vitamins, such as sweet potatoes, carrots and bananas. It's also a great idea to allow them to play, run and stretch their legs for at least two hours per day. This will help them stay healthy and happy. Nesting The great green macaw is nestled in a crevice or cavity in a tree, typically in the almendro's trunk (Dipteryx panamensis) or tit o (Sacoglottis trichogyna). Other trees are also utilized, like beach almond (Dipteryx) or cativo (Prioria Copaifera). A pair of birds can lay up to two eggs. The incubation period is approximately 28 days. After the chicks have fledged they leave the nest. The biggest threat to the species is caused by human habitat loss, especially through logging and agricultural. Deforestation has led to a dramatic decline in population of the great green Macaw which is classified as endangered in Costa Rica. This has occurred primarily since the 1980s. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, but the challenge is immense. Education is essential in preserving habitat. Outreach programs at schools and communities help people realize the importance of the bird and inspire people to be involved in conservation efforts. Eco-tourism is another tool that can provide economic incentives for people to protect the magnificent green macaw habitat. Research suggests that there aren't enough breeding pairs in the wild to sustain the population and grow its size. This is why it is important to create protected zones and reserve corridors where the bird can find suitable partners. Conservation efforts include captive breeding, artificial nests and nesting in cages to reduce the risk of predators. Poaching is a serious problem for the great green macaw especially in Central America where the birds are frequently killed due to their attractive markings or are viewed as agricultural pests and shot. In Ecuador, WLT supporter ProBosque is working with local communities to protect the species at the Rio Canande Reserve and Cerro Blanco Woodland Reserve. The project is studying the impact of artificial nests in this fragile region. It is expected that this information will result in the creation of new, better nest designs that can lower the risk of being preyed upon by a variety of animals. Such innovations will be a major step in the direction to save this beautiful bird. Breeding Season The breeding season of the great green macaw runs between January and August, with the peak occurring in February and May. During this period the female will pick an area to nest in the forest canopy. This is usually an area of Dipteryx species. The female will lay 2 to 3 eggs that are incubated between 26 and 28 days. Both parents feed the chicks. The average first-year survival is at 65%. Due to the increased risk of predation and the unstable habitat, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the great green macaw to maintain a stable population. Conservationists have designed artificial nests that can be set in safe and secure trees to help combat this. These nests protect the young from predators and weather conditions. They also provide a chance for humans to monitor the success of the birds and their breeding. Great green macaws are seen in pairs but also in small groups of 10 to 15 individuals. The lowland rainforests of the tropical lowlands, from eastern Honduras all the way to northwestern Colombia and west Ecuador are the habitat of these birds. The birds are found primarily in the canopy of the forest however, they also inhabit forests that are in the foothills. They feed on fruits and seeds, and occasionally hard-shelled nuts. Many non-profit organizations are working to protect the natural habitat of this great green macaw. They collaborate with local communities and purchase land to encourage sustainable farming practices and other income sources. They also monitor the macaws to identify threats and reduce their effects. Seeing the great green macaw in its natural surroundings is a thrilling experience for tourists who visit Costa Rica. Birdwatching is provided by a variety of eco-lodges, tour operators and eco-lodges. Tourists are given the chance to view the beautiful species of birds while learning about their habitats. With the possibility of habitat loss caused by logging and mining, the population of the great green macaw is declining. However, conservationists are making a difference by establishing protected areas and ensuring that the macaw has access to corridors between these areas. They also create breeding programs and encourage participation of the community to safeguard the macaw.