Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Great green macaw

Scientific name: Ara ambiguus


Great green macaw

IUCN Status: Endangered

Family: PSITACIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 50 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.03-31.05

Gestation: N/A

Births: 01.05-31.07


Habitat:
Tropical and subtropical forests of Central America, mainly in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama

Description:
The Great Green Macaw is a large, colorful, and majestic parrot known for its vibrant green plumage, with touches of blue, yellow, and red on the wings and face. It measures about 85 to 95 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.4 meters, and weighs between 900 and 1,200 g. Its dominant green plumage is complemented by blue feathers on the wings and red around the face and chest. The Great Green Macaw primarily inhabits the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, notably in Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. It feeds mainly on fruits, nuts, seeds, and flowers. This parrot is highly social and typically lives in family or small groups, but can also be seen in large flocks in its natural habitat. Although the Great Green Macaw is not yet immediately endangered, it faces threats such as habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and deforestation.

Recommended lens:
>=400 mm

Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph the great green macaw, especially in flight or perched in tropical forests. Soft morning or evening light is ideal for capturing the brilliance of its colorful feathers. Be discreet and respect its space, especially during the breeding season, to avoid disrupting its natural behavior. IUCN status: Endangered. Protect its forest habitat and minimize human disturbance.

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