Birds / Breeds

Green-Winged Macaw: Complete Care Guide

The second-largest macaw species pairs a gentle, easy-going reputation with a genuinely enormous physical presence.

Blue and yellow macaw perched on a branch eating fruit in a lush tropical environment.
Photo by Pedro H. Novais on Pexels
In this guide

The second-largest macaw species pairs a gentle, easy-going reputation with a genuinely enormous physical presence.

The green-winged macaw, sometimes called the red and green macaw, is a striking bird with a deep red body, a streak of green across the wings, and blue flight feathers, and is the second-largest macaw species after the hyacinth. Despite its imposing size, it has a reputation among macaw keepers as one of the gentler, more easy-going large macaw species.

Characteristics and behaviour

Green-winged macaws are intelligent, affectionate and, relative to their size, often described as more laid-back and less prone to sudden mood swings than some other large macaw species. They still require serious commitment: their sheer size and beak strength mean any interaction, especially with children, needs adult supervision and an experienced handler's confidence.

Diet

A diet built on quality large-parrot pellets, fresh fruit and vegetables, and nuts in moderation suits this species well, following the same principles as other large macaws.

Habitat and maintenance

An especially large, robust cage and substantial daily exercise time are essential given this bird's size, roughly 40 inches from head to tail. Strong chew toys and a genuinely secure enclosure matter given the power of this species' beak.

Lifespan

Green-winged macaws are exceptionally long-lived, commonly reaching 50 to 60 years and occasionally considerably more, placing this species among the longest-term commitments in this entire series.

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