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Diet: Military macaws eat a variety of fruits, seeds, and nuts produced in the treetops.
Habitat and Distribution: These macaws are found in a variety of habitats within Mexico as well as in disjunct populations in South America, but are not found in Central America. These habitats include the foothills of mountains in the wooded countries of Peru and Boliva, secluded uplands in semi-arid and arid forests of Mexico, low-lying dense thorn forests of Mexico, humid forests of the Colombian Andes, and Venezuela’s rainforests and drier open forests.
Status in the Wild: In the last fifty years the range and distribution of this species has decreased drastically. Populations and habitats have been fragmented and these birds have also been subject to exploitation by the pet trade. Due to the extremity of the exploitation, the military macaw has been listed under Appendix I of CITES in an attempt to protect it from the threat of the illegal pet trade. Current estimates place the wild population at around 10,000 birds.
Habits and Adaptations: These highly gregarious birds usually form strong pair bonds within their flocks. They typically travel in pairs or groups. Military macaws normally feed in the morning and return to their roost site by dusk. Their flight is direct and swift, characterized by slow graceful wingbeats. They perch atop tall trees. Military macaws often call loudy. Their boistrous calls are audible at considerable distances.
Breeding and Maturation: Breeding season for these birds varies widely depending on the geographical region that the birds inhabit, anywhere from November through June. Large communal roosts and nests are located on cliff faces or in large trees. A typical clutch is 2-4 eggs. They are incubated for approximately 25-28 days. Only the female tends the eggs and the young. The nestling period lasts about three months.
Lifespan: A 60 year lifespan is not uncommon for a military macaw.
Conservation Issues: Like other macaws in the wild, military macaws are vulnerable due to habitat loss and the pet trade. International protections have been put in place for these birds. In addition to being protected from trade under Appendix I of CITES, the military macaw is also listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
Additional Resources:
Juniper, T. and Parr, M. 1998. Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.
www.iucn.org 2003
www.birdlife.org 2003 [based on information published in Birdlife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world.] |