Military Macaw Ara militaris

Military Macaw
Military Macaw
The Military Macaw has a green coat with turquoise blue mottling on the nape, sky blue wing edges, red upper and yellow underside tail, yellow under wings and a bright bushy red forehead. Its face is usually white or light pink with black/dark brown feathered lines on the cheek, but (like some people) the face turns a redder pink when the bird is excited.
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
The name "Military" comes from the green and red soldiers' uniform colours (cf. Soldier Beetle, a green and red beetle) but understates the true colourful plumage of the parrot.
Military Macaws
Military Macaws
Military Macaws
The Military Macaw is native to Mexico (larger Mexicana subspecies) and north-eastern South America (smaller subspecies). The Great Green Macaw, also called Buffon's Macaw, (see link below) is similar but significantly larger and without blue mottling on the nape.
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
His lady has made a nest in the grass clump (she can be seen behind the grass) . . .
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
he is helping to dig out a burrow with his massive beak (above) and clearing soil with his feet.
Military Macaw Green military uniform with red braid.
Military Macaw The gold underside and colourful topside of the tail.
Military Macaw Burgundy face border (more extensive on "bolivianus" subspecies).
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
The beautiful light blue/turquoise back and wings.
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
Military Macaw in flight
In flight.
Military Macaw in flight
Military Macaw in flight
Military Macaw in flight