Information Regarding the Great Green Macaw  
  
Despite their vibrant beauty, great green macaws are threatened. They are one of the most endangered species of the aviculture industry and their natural habitat is threatened by deforestation.  
  
MRN is committed to protecting their habitat and to create corridors that connect protected areas. MRN collaborates with local communities in order to educate them on the value of these species.  
  
Habitat  
  
Despite being one of the world's most elegant and intelligent parrots, the green macaw has been afflicted by several threats in the last few years. In fact, this species is classified as critically endangered by BirdLife International. Habitat loss and unsustainable logging as well as conversion of agricultural land have drastically reduced the birds' numbers and range. Farmers are also known to shoot these beautiful bird because they are seen by them as crop pests, and they capture the birds for pet macaws trade.  
  
In the wild the beautiful birds live in humid lowland forests and forest edges. They primarily feed on mountain almond trees (Dipterix panamensis) and nest in tree cavities. They are renowned for living in large families, even outside of the breeding period.  
  
Their tail and wing feathers are long, sharply pointed to ensure efficient flight in the forest canopy. Their beaks, which are huge and powerful, permit them to break open the tough shells of seeds, nuts and bark. They also enjoy eating roots, flowers and fruits. The great green macaw is a vocal species that makes a variety of calls to communicate with other members of their group and with potential mates. Their calls can be heard as whistles, screeches and squawks.  
  
These amazing birds serve vitally in their ecosystems as seed dispersers. The presence of this species in the wild contributes to the health and diversity of rainforest habitats. They are a vital part of the food chain, drawing other animals such as monkeys and insects that help spread seeds of trees and other plants.  
  
There are a number of non-profit organizations working to preserve this magnificent bird's habitat. They are purchasing land to establish reserves and work with local communities to encourage sustainable livelihoods. They are implementing conservation methods to reduce contact between macaws and humans, and are providing opportunities for education so that people can learn more about this stunning and majestic bird. This majestic creature in its natural environment is a truly once-in-a lifetime experience.  
  
Diet  
  
The great green macaw is a stunning bird that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. They spend the majority of their time in small groups, high in the trees, eating nuts and seeds. Their strong beaks are utilized to crack open the hard shells. They are essential seed dispersers, and help maintain healthy forests. They also play an important role in the ecosystem by providing food to other species that are endangered, such as the Scarlet Macaw and Yellow-naped Amazon.  
  
The large parrot is mostly green with splashes of bright red on the forehead, cheeks, and lower back. The top price of blue macaw their heads are bare and they have long beaks that have a sharp curvature. The curve is an adaptation that allows them to break open the hard shells of nuts and other seeds.  
  
In the wild, great green macaws frequently eat bark, seeds roots, flowers bulbs, and fruits. The fruit of the Almendra Guayaquilensis Mountain Almond Tree is a favourite. They also visit clay-licks, where birds lick clay in the belief that it is beneficial for their health.  
  
The habitat loss has caused them to be unable to survive in the wild. They are also captured illegally to be sold as pets.  
  
The good news is that a variety of organizations are working to safeguard this magnificent bird and ensure that it is safe to live in the wild. World Land Trust, as an example, supports reserves like the Rio Canande Reserve, in Ecuador, where to buy macaws artificial macaws nests have been constructed.  
  
For those keeping the birds as pets it is important to provide them with plenty of space and a diet that closely resembles the diet they would enjoy in the wild. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be provided, especially those that are rich in vitamins, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and bananas. It's also a great idea to let them get out of their cage for 2-3 hours every day to stretch their wings, run around and play. This will keep them occupied and healthy.  
  
Nesting  
  
The great green macaw is nestled in the crevice or cavity of a tree, typically in the almendro's trunk (Dipteryx panamensis) or tit o (Sacoglottis trichogyna). Other trees are also employed, including beach almond (Dipteryx) or cativo (Prioria Copaifera). A pair of birds can lay up to two eggs. Incubation lasts around 28 days. The chicks leave the nest after they are fledged.  
  
The greatest threat is the loss of habitat by humans, especially through the logging industry and agricultural practices. In Costa Rica, where the great green macaw is listed as endangered, there has been a significant reduction in population due to deforestation, particularly in the 1980s. Conservation efforts are being made to preserve the species but the task is huge.  
  
In addition to preserving habitat, the key is education. Outreach programs at schools and communities aid people to recognize the importance of the bird and encourage people to be involved in conservation efforts. Eco-tourism is another important tool that can provide financial incentives to people to preserve the habitat of the great green macaw.  
  
Research shows that there are not yet enough breeding pairs in the wild to maintain the population and increase its size. It is important to create protected zones and reserve corridors for the birds to find suitable mates. Conservation efforts include captive breeding and the creation of artificial nests that will lower the risk of predation.  
  
Poaching is a serious issue for the great green macaw especially in Central America where the birds are frequently killed due to their attractive markings or considered agricultural pests and shot. In Ecuador, WLT supporter ProBosque is working with local communities to safeguard the species in the Rio Canande Reserve and Cerro Blanco Woodland Reserve. The project examines the impact of artificial breeding in this fragile area. It is expected that this study will lead to the development of new, better nest designs that will reduce the risk of predation by various species. These advancements will be a major improvement in the fight to save this amazing bird.  
  
Breeding Season  
  
The great green macaw's breeding season occurs between January and July with the peak occurring in February and May. In this period the female will select an area to nest in the forest canopy, usually one of the species Dipteryx Oleifera. The female will lay 2 to 3 eggs, which will be incubated between 26 and 28 days. Both parents will feed the chicks. The average first-year survival is 65%.  
  
Due to the heightened risks of predation and the unstable habitat, it is difficult for the great green macaw to sustain an unchanging population. To counter this, conservationists have constructed artificial nests to put in safe, secure trees. These nests protect the young against predators and bad weather. They also provide an opportunity for humans to monitor the performance of the birds and their breeding.  
  
Great green macaws are often seen in pairs, but they can be seen in small groups of 10 to 15 individuals as well. The lowland rainforests of the tropical lowlands, ranging from east Honduras up to north-western Colombia and west Ecuador are home to these birds. Birds are found in the canopy of the forest but they also frequent the foothills. They eat seeds and fruits, as well as occasionally hard-shelled nuts.  
  
Many non-profit organizations are working to protect the natural habitat of this great green macaw. They collaborate with local communities and http://fwme.eu/thedoordoctor158854 buy land to encourage sustainable farming practices and other income sources. They also monitor www.darknesstr.com the macaws to identify threats and mitigate their impact.  
  
Many visitors find it an amazing experience to see the great green spix macaw characteristics in its natural habitat. Many eco-lodges and tour operators offer birdwatching activities offering tourists the chance to see these beautiful birds while learning about their habitats and conservation efforts.  
  
With the threat of habitat loss from mining and logging, population of the great green macaw is decreasing. However, conservationists are making a difference through the establishment of protected areas and making sure that the macaw is able to access routes between these areas. They are also establishing breeding programs and encouraging community involvement to protect the macaw and other species.