The Buffon’s Macaw Ara ambiguus is also known as the Great Green Macaw or the Grand Military Macaw. These large Macaws are rare in the wild, and are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as endangered. They are rare in captivity too, but they have proven to be good breeders. Today with successful breeding, the Buffon’s Macaw is not only becoming more available, but a few captive bred birds have also been re-introduced into the wild in some areas of its native habitat.
The name Great Green Macaw is truly descriptive. They are not only the largest parrot in their region, but the Buffon’s overall coloration is green, becoming blue around the lower back and rump as well as the undertail coverts (the feathers from the belly leading into the tail). It has a strong scarlet red forehead and the tail is a subdued red-brown tipped in blue. This is one of the more hefty of the large Macaws, reaching 33 to 36″ (85 – 90 cm) in length and weighing up to 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg).
SUBSPECIES, RANGES AND IDENTIFICATION:
Two isolated subspecies are recognized:
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- Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus ambiguus – Bechstein, 1811) – Nominate form
- Range: From Central America (eastern Honduras and Nicaragua, to Costa Rica and Panama) south into north-west Colombia in South America.
- Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus ambiguus – Bechstein, 1811) – Nominate form
- Ecuadorian Buffon’s or Guayaquil Macaw (Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis – Chapman, 1925)
- Range: South America: Western Ecuador, where they are only found in one single area near the city of Guayaquil; and possibly in south-western Colombia.
- ID: Green tail feathers and smaller, narrower bill. Otherwise identical to nominate form.
DESCRIPTION
Size
Buffons Macaws are the largest parrots in their natural range. They measure about 30 – 35.4 inches (77 – 90 cm) in length – including their long tails; and they weigh between 2.8 – 3.1 lbs (1,260 – 1,400 g).
Plumage Details / Adults
The upper plumage is yellowish green, including the crown (top of the head) and the upperwing coverts (feathers). The forehead and the fine lines on the lores (area between the bill and the eyes) are red. The rump, the vent and the upper tail coverts (feathers) are blue. The flight feathers are darker blue. The throat is tinged with olive/brown. The long, graduated tail is orange-red with pale blue tips; the undertail feathers are olive-green.