The green wing macaw is one of the most readily available of the macaw species, and also one of the largest, smaller only than the hyacinth macaw. Its calm and friendly temperament despite its size has earned it the epithet ‘the gentle giant.’ It should be the obvious choice as a pet for someone looking to own a macaw.
The Green Wing Macaw is the second largest species of parrots known to be in existence. At up to 36 inches in length, these birds are impressive in looks and personality. They are known for their social dispositions and interactive personalities, which are just a couple of reasons that they are such popular pets.
Green-wing macaws are tame and affectionate with a usually even, easy-going disposition. They are friendly and require a couple of hours of interaction with you every day. These birds are brilliant; they can learn to speak words and do tricks.
As one of the largest species of parrot, they have incredibly powerful beaks. Although they are among the most gentle parrots, a green-wing macaw with behavior problems can be a biting hazard for families with little children (and little fingers). Most species of parrots will develop behavioral issues if they do not get sufficient attention from you or their human flock.
That great big beak can look intimidating, but the green-winged macaw is actually the gentler of the large macaws, not known for biting and massive mood swings. A well-raised green wing, one that’s healthy and well-treated, is a pleasant companion and long-time friend, with a life span of more than 70 years.
Speech & Sound
The green wing can talk, but is not known to be a chatterbox; instead, an owner can expect intermittent screaming, which is quite loud, but not persistent, that is, if the bird is being cared for properly. An unhappy green wing can cause a ruckus that will get someone tossed out of an apartment building.
The green-wing macaw is one of the most recognizable of all the parrot species. These bright birds are a deep vibrant red on the head, shoulders, and breast with a greenish band below the shoulders and wings. The green band transitions to dark blue on the wings, and there is light blue on the rump and on the tail feathers.
The long tail feathers are red, tipped in blue. The legs and feet are a deep gray, and the beak is horn-colored with a black lower mandible. The bird has eye patches on the face. Males and females are indistinguishable, except that males are slightly larger. To figure out the sex of the bird, it will need DNA testing or surgical sexing.
Distinguishing a Young Bird
Very young Green-wings have a shorter tail and the eye is black not yellow. The lower mandible is grey and horn-coloured but has become black by the time the Macaw is one year old. The eye colour turns from light grey, to light yellow to brighter yellow by the age of about three years.
Temperament
The Green-Winged Macaw is a simple yet caring bird. They tend to gravitate toward their human family members and can get along well with children. This type of bird likes to conversate using words and phrases that they have learned within their environment. It is unclear whether they know exactly what the words mean, but there is a strong sense among owners that their Green-Winged Macaws know exactly what they are saying.
Green-Winged Macaws are easygoing and do not create a cause for alarm when it comes to human handling. They are happy to sit on a hand or arm, and they rarely nip or cause a ruckus unless they feel completely cornered. These birds make for excellent pets within households that have the time and commitment to spend when it comes to caring for them.