Macaw Species · Central America
Great Green Macaw
Endangered ally of the mountain almond tree — loud and long-tailed.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Great Green Macaw — Buffon's Macaw — is an Endangered Central American forest specialist tied to mountain almond trees. Its defining trait is shy, wide-ranging forest dependence with loud, far-carrying calls.
Great Green Macaw: At a Glance
| Origin | Central America |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (85 cm) |
| Typical length | 85 cm (33 in) typical length |
| Lifespan | 40–60 years (large macaws) or 30–40 years (mini macaws) |
| Plumage | Mostly olive-green with red forehead and blue flight feathers; tail is long and tapered with red and blue. Facial skin is white with black feather rows. Forest-adapted birds need large flight space and chewing outlets mimicking natural nest and foraging behaviour. |
| Temperament | Shy, forest-dependent |
| Conservation note | Expert aviculturists only — wild Great Green Macaws are Endangered with CITES Appendix I protection and reliance on disappearing mountain almond habitat. Captive birds are uncommon; conservation prioritises reforestation and nest protection in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama over pet trade expansion. |
History & Origins
Great Green Macaws follow seasonal food across lowland and foothill forest from Honduras to Ecuador. Deforestation for cattle and agriculture removed mountain almond — their primary nest tree in much of Central America. Reintroduction and corridor projects in Costa Rica show promise. Legal captive breeding is limited; most conservation funding targets habitat restoration.
Great Green Macaw Fun Facts
- Great Green Macaws can travel 30 km daily between feeding and roosting areas.
- Mountain almond trees are protected in Costa Rica partly because of this species.
- They are also called Buffon's Macaws after French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc.
- Wild pairs reuse nest cavities in large trees for many years.
Great Green Macaw Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Habitat loss (wild)
Removal of primary forest and nest trees directly reduces breeding success in wild populations.
Care: Support reforestation NGOs; captive birds cannot offset wild habitat decline.
Respiratory disease
Captive forest macaws remain susceptible to aspergillosis and bacterial pneumonia in poor air quality.
Care: HEPA filtration, dry clean bedding and avian veterinary treatment at first signs.
Feather destructive behaviour
Inadequate space and foraging opportunity trigger plucking in captive settings.
Care: Large aviaries, daily enrichment and medical rule-out with an avian vet.
Macaws belong in the wild
Every macaw species in this guide is threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. A symbolic adoption or gift to WARN helps fund anti-trafficking work and sanctuary care for parrots seized from smugglers.
