Red-and-green Macaw

The Red-and-green Macaw, also known as the Green-winged Macaw, is one of the largest parrot species in the world, found in lowland tropical forests across much of South America. Its brilliant red plumage combined with green and blue wing tones makes it one of the most recognizable macaws.

Like other large macaws, it is highly social, typically seen in pairs or small flocks flying above the forest canopy, and often visits exposed riverbank clay licks in groups to supplement its diet.

• Body is vivid red overall, from the head and neck through the breast and belly
• Wing coverts form a broad green band across the upper wing, distinguishing it from the all-red Scarlet Macaw
• Flight feathers and tail are blue, with the tail long and pointed
• Bare facial skin is whitish, marked with thin lines of small red feathers, a feature unique among large macaws
• Bill is large, mostly pale horn-colored with a dark tip
• Distinguished from the Scarlet Macaw by the green wing band (versus yellow) and from other macaws by its larger size and facial feather lines

Adults of both sexes look alike, with vivid red body plumage, a green wing band, and blue flight and tail feathers present year-round. Juveniles show duller coloration overall and shorter tails, with facial feather lines less developed, gradually acquiring full adult plumage over one to two years. There is no seasonal plumage variation in this species.

This species inhabits lowland tropical forest, forest edge, and gallery forest across much of tropical South America, generally favoring areas with tall trees for nesting and roosting. It is largely resident, though pairs and flocks may move locally in response to fruiting patterns of key food trees.

Red-and-green Macaws feed mainly on seeds, nuts, and fruit, using their powerful bills to crack open hard shells, and often visit riverbank clay licks in groups. They nest in large tree cavities, typically forming long-term pair bonds. Calls are loud, harsh, and far-carrying, typical of large macaws, and pairs are frequently seen flying together above the canopy.