Military macaw (Ara militaris).
Image: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The military macaw is a large green macaw with a red forehead, named for its uniform-like colouring. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It lives in scattered populations across a wide but patchy range.
Range & habitat
Scattered forests from Mexico through Central America to South America.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Trapping for the pet trade
- Habitat loss
- Fragmentation
Why it matters
A widespread but patchily distributed macaw, the military macaw is a flagship for connecting and protecting the dry and humid forests it depends on.
Sources
Sources for Military Macaw
- IUCN Red List — look up Military Macaw (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the military macaw?
Its mostly green plumage with a red forehead was likened to a military uniform, giving the bird its name.
Why is the military macaw Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite trapping for the pet trade, habitat loss, and fragmentation across its scattered range. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: