Great green macaws
The great green macaw
The great green macaw can be found naturally in the Atlantic slope, specifically in the community of Concho de la Azucena de Cutris, San Carlos. They are often seen flying in the mornings in search of food.
Just thirty minutes away from this community is the San Juan River of Nicaragua, where you can observe, from the Costa Rican side, the Indio Maíz Reserve, which is also a natural habitat for this beautiful green bird with a red crown.
Scientific name: Ara ambiguus.
Origin: Caribbean slope in Costa Rica.
Common name: Great Green macaw.
For an ex-situ experience, the green macaws can be found at the NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary.
This wildlife sanctuary has a captive breeding program for the future reintroduction of the macaws into the wild.
NATUWA has the largest population of these birds managed in captivity in Costa Rica, and perhaps in the world, with approximately 100 birds.
The green macaw or green lapa, is a large parrot that inhabits the forests of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and a small population in Panama. There is a subspecies, Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis, in Ecuador, where there are only less than 20 individuals left.
In Costa Rica, it can be found on the Atlantic slope, and according to some censuses that have been carried out, their population is less than 300 individuals.
The great green macaws in Crucitas
In the community of Crucitas, San Carlos, great green macaws are easily spotted as they fly in the morning and afternoon, emitting loud sounds that characterize them.
They travel long distances in search of all types of seeds. They are observed feeding on the seeds of the tree commonly known as the mountain almond tree (Dipteryx panamensis), which appears to be their favorite food; however, they also feed seasonally on seeds from other species of trees.
Green macaws live in tall trees on mountains in the forest, which keep them safe. The forest is being destroyed, so they also nest in trees near humans.
In the Crucitas community, people protect them and know they are important for the future. They understand the birds are in danger and are protected by the law.
Description of the Great Green Macaw.
To accurately describe the physical characteristics of the great green macaw (Ara ambiguus), it is essential to understand the key morphological features of this species.
This parrot is often recognized for its striking green plumage, with vibrant feathers covering the entire body except for the bare facial patches around the eyes. The wings and tail feathers are long and pointed, allowing for efficient flight and maneuverability through the forest canopies,the beak is large and strong, suited for breaking open tough nuts and seeds, while the feet are zygodactyl, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, which provide a stable grip while perched.
The great green macaw is also characterized by a featherless, white patch around the eyes and a distinctive red forehead. Overall, this species possesses a unique and striking appearance, making it a valuable and intriguing subject of scientific study.
Cuantas guacamayos verdes quedan en libertad?
The report on the Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) for 2022-2023 was made by the Macaw Recovery Network. It shows the work done to monitor and protect this critically endangered species in Latin America. During the first international census 2022, 653 individuals were recorded across five participating countries: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Panama. 2023 the second international census counted 328 people in the same countries. More organizations and volunteers took part this time.
These censuses were conducted during the non-breeding season, when green macaws typically form flocks and use communal roosts. The number of people counted in 2023 was lower than in 2022. The report’s authors say more studies are needed to understand population trends. Costa Rica is essential for this species, accounting for a large part of the total population. The report emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and community involvement in conservation efforts for the green macaw.
Credits:
This summary is based on the report prepared by the Macaw Recovery Network, which collaborated with various organizations and volunteers in Latin America.
We are grateful to several organizations for their support in this conservation project.
The organizations are:
- Horizon Conservation
- Ara Manzanillo
- Caño Palma Biological Station
- Tropical Scientific Center
- ECOVIDA
- Las Arrieras Natural Reserve
- Las Brisas Reserve
- OET
- SINAC
- Works for Nature
Learn more about this amazing macaw with our list of seven fascinating facts.
1. The Great Green Macaw, also known as the Buffon’s Macaw, is one of the largest macaws in the world.
2. They are endangered and found only in parts of Central and South America, including Costa Rica.
Their bright green feathers and red foreheads make them popular in the illegal pet trade. Habitat destruction is also a significant threat to their survival.
4. They mate for life and can live up to 50 years in the wild.
5. Great Green Macaws feed on various fruits, seeds, nuts, and leaves but have a particular preference for the seeds of the almendro tree.
6. They are essential to Costa Rica’s ecology. They help pollinate flowers by feeding on nectar and pollen.
Conservation efforts in Costa Rica include restoring habitats, installing nest boxes, and breeding animals in captivity. These actions aim to increase their numbers and protect their homes.
What does the Green macaw Eat in Nature?
The green macaw primarily eats seeds and some fruits as part of its natural diet. They tend to prefer seeds from trees such as titor (Sacoglottis trichogyna), mountain almond (Dipeteryx panamensis), and monkey pot (Lecythis ampla) when they are still green or tender and can be easily opened.
“The trees that the green macaw feeds on do not continuously produce fruits, only during certain months. The birds adapt to the food resources provided by the trees in different months, when some produce and others do not, and thus the green macaws manage to obtain food from the ecosystem throughout the year.
They have been observed taking water from the cavities that their friends the trees provide them. Generally, their breeding season is synchronized with the production of seeds from mountain almond trees (Dipeteryx panamensis) and titor (Sacoglottis trichogyna).”
Captive management of the green macaw
In Natuwa, we provide a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds during the morning. The first feeding hour starts at 6:00 am, and it consists of a liquid-rich diet to keep the birds hydrated during the peak daylight hours.
A second portion of food is provided to the flock at 3:00 pm. This portion includes a variety of nuts and dates with high nutritional values to ensure that our beloved green macaws enjoy good health.
Furthermore, this diet is supplemented with vitamins and minerals. It is a diet formulated by the University of Costa Rica and contains all the nutritional values that the bird requires.
Like any other captive bird, this parrot needs sufficient exercise to stay healthy. At NATUWA, we provide a circular enclosure with a circumference of 200 meters. It was designed in this way with the intention of generating a continuous flight cycle. We have observed a maximum of 8 uninterrupted flight rounds, which means it has the possibility to fly a total of 1800 meters.
The enclosure features natural trees where the birds can perch and entertain themselves by foraging for food. Additionally, the team of professionals caring for them installs swinging perches in different directions to help strengthen their leg muscles.
Conservation of the Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus)
The NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary has a captive breeding program for Green Macaws in order to conserve the species.
The management site conducts ethological studies to better understand their behavior, and also genetic studies of the population living in their sanctuary, discovering they have 6 distinct blood types or genetics, which opens up possibilities to breed individuals without harmful inbreeding. Several techniques are used for the breeding of Green Macaws, including the use of incubators and breeding with the parents.
Allowing the parents to handle the entire breeding process is the best option if the goal is to release the individuals.
The breeding facilities are not available for visitors at the Lapas Sanctuary. Instead, they are kept away so that the parrots don’t become accustomed to human presence.
This allows for controlled breeding in captivity, with the aim of developing the green parrots as wild as possible, so that they can adapt to their natural environment.
Currently, due to habitat loss and the theft of chicks from the forest, this charismatic macaw is under threat and its population is very small.
Where can the green macaw be photographed?
The green macaw is naturally found on the Atlantic slope, particularly in Concho de la Azucena de Cutris, San Carlos. They are often seen flying in the mornings looking for food.
Just thirty minutes from this community lies the San Juan River of Nicaragua, where you can observe, from the Costa Rican side, the Indio Maíz Reserve. This reserve is also a natural habitat for this beautiful green bird with a red crown.
Just thirty minutes from this community is the San Juan River of Nicaragua, where you can see, from the Costa Rican side, the Indio Maíz Reserve, which is also a natural reserve for this beautiful green bird with a red crown.
For an ex-situ experience, the green macaws can be found at the NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary has a captive breeding program for the future reintroduction of the macaws into the wild. NATUWA has the largest population of these birds managed in captivity in Costa Rica, and perhaps in the world, with approximately 100 birds.
Come and meet our great green macaws!
Additionally, NATUWA has a visitor section where you can learn about relevant aspects of green macaw conservation and their natural ecosystem. Visitors also have the opportunity to capture great photographs as the aviaries where the birds fly are the largest in Costa Rica. The internal vegetation development within the aviaries creates a natural-looking setting for both the viewer’s enjoyment and the birds’ well-being.
Seeing the green macaw in person is a unique experience, and for photographers, it presents a great opportunity to capture an excellent photograph of Costa Rica’s green macaw.
Bibliografía:
BirdLife International. (2020). Ara ambiguus. Lista Roja de Especies Amenazadas de la UICN 2020: e.T22685553A172908289. Recuperado de https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22685553A17290828.macawrecoverynetwork.org
Monge, G., Chassot, O., Ramírez, O., Alemán, I., Figueroa, A., & Brenes, D. (2012). Temporada de anidación 2009 de Ara ambiguus y Ara macao en el sureste de Nicaragua y el norte de Costa Rica. Zeledonia, 16(1), junio.macawrecoverynetwork.org
Powell, G., Wright, P., Guindon, C., Alemán, U., Palminteri, S., & Bjork, R. (1999). Resultados y recomendaciones para la conservación de la guacamaya verde (Ara ambiguus) en Costa Rica.
Updated: 11/03/2025
