|
The military macaw lives in scattered pockets from Mexico
to Northwestern Argentina. Unfortunately, it has almost disappeared
in places where it was once quite common because of habitat
loss and the pet trade. It is listed as vulnerable in Appendix
I of CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), but is quite common in captivity.
The military is found in dry forests and open woodlands in
pairs or small flocks. Seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries make
up their diet in the wild. These birds measure 26 to 29 inches
in length with a wingspan of 39 to 43 inches and are known
as the smallest of the large macaws. The overall body color
is green with a patch of red feathers above the nares. Although
not as visibly striking as other large macaws, it is still
quite colorful with blue feathers on the wings, yellowish
feathers on the underside of the wings, and red feathers around
the vent and tail. The military, like other macaws, has a
bare facial patch around the eyes. In these birds, the facial
patch is pale pink with rows of tiny greenish black feathers.
There
is some debate among biologists concerning how many subspecies
of the military macaw exist, but the general consensus is
at least three subspecies with slight plumage and size differences.
The Buffon's macaw ,Ara ambigua, looks similar to the military
but measures 34 inches in length and is quite rare in captivity.
Despite
the fact that the military macaws are smaller than some of
the large macaws, these birds still require a lot of space.
The proper cage is one of the most important aspects of caring
for any bird. The Internet is a good source of information
or to order a cage, but it is always a good idea to actually
look at a cage before buying it. Quality cages can be very
expensive -- they sometimes cost more then the bird -- but
poor quality cages will not last as long and could even harm
your companion. Cage size should be no smaller than 3 «
feet by 2 « feet by 4 feet. Get the largest cage you
can afford, especially if the bird will be kept in the cage
for a large part of the day. As a general rule, a cage can
never be too big for a macaw. However, a cage that is too
small can cause health and behavioral problems.
Even with
the largest of cages, military macaws need to be out of their
cage several hours per day, preferably interacting with human
companions. Like all parrots, military macaws like to climb.
Provide a cage with at least two sides of horizontal bars
for exercising their feet. military macaws like to take apart
their cage if given the opportunity.
Cages
that bolt together with hardware that is accessible to the
bird are not recommended. Macaws are known escape artists.
Many can figure out simple cage locks and let themselves out.
Several cage manufacturers are now using bird-proof locks
especially designed for these clever birds.
Most military
macaws enjoy being in the area of the house where the owners
spend a lot of their time. Avoid the kitchen and high traffic
areas. These active birds need twelve hours of uninterrupted
sleep every night. Do not put their cage in a room where the
television or radio might not be turned off until midnight
and then turned on again at seven a.m.
Military
macaw's nutritional requirements are similar to most of the
other species of macaws and other large parrots. Variety is
very important. These intelligent birds can become bored when
offered a limited diet. Pellets should make up about fifty
percent of the diet. Several brands are formulated and sized
specifically for large macaws. If a bird is on a seed diet,
a conversion to pellets must be done. Consult an avian veterinarian
for advice and instructions. Vegetables and fruit should make
up another 30 to 40 percent of the diet. Do not give avocado,
as it is toxic. The remaining 10 to 20 percent can be seeds
and healthy treats such as nuts, bird biscuits, and healthy
table foods. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, excess sugar or salt,
and seafood. If the macaw is eating a nutritionally complete
pelleted diet, a vitamin and mineral supplement is usually
not needed.
Toys are
an extremely vital part of military macaws' needs. In the
wild these birds are active all day foraging for food and
interacting with each other. In captivity they need other
ways to occupy their time. A bored military macaw could develop
behavioral problems. Wood toys must be provided at all times
and rotated often so they will not become bored with them.
Other popular types of toys, especially for macaws, are sturdy
acrylic toys. Avoid toys with small parts that could be accidentally
swallowed or easily broken by powerful beaks. Keep in mind
that these toys can be expensive, will be destroyed, and must
be replaced. Before buying a military macaw make sure your
budget allows for plenty of toys. Play stands or play gyms
can also be very useful to the military macaw owner, but always
supervise when the bird is out of the cage.
Wing clipping
is imperative to the safety of any pet bird to prevent escape
or serious injury. Military macaws have relatively large wings
to support the large body and commonly need all primaries
on both wings clipped. Some will need secondaries trimmed
also. This can be quite an ordeal, depending on the bird,
and is best done by an experienced person. An avian veterinarian
can help a new owner trim wings.
Bathing is an important activity for Military macaws to keep
their skin and feathers in prime condition. Many birds enjoy
showering with the owner or in a shallow container with supervision.
A spray bottle can be used to spray a fine mist on the bird.
Macaws
in general are known for their even disposition and temperament.
Military macaws are no exception. Of course every individual
will be different, so it is important to interact with several
birds before deciding on one. Many love cuddling with their
owner(s) and being preened. Most military macaws also love
to flap their wings, especially if they are in their cage
for extended periods of time. Military macaws may have a favorite
person, but with proper socialization will enjoy attention
from other people as well.
The beak
of the military is quite intimidating, but it is necessary
to approach the bird with confidence or it will take control
and be difficult to handle. These birds will react to the
emotions of the humans around them. A calm demeanor will cause
the bird to remain calm. A nervous or excited person will
cause the bird to be the same. A rule that should always be
followed with a large macaw is that they should never be allowed
on the shoulder in order to prevent human injury. No matter
how gentle a bird is, it only takes one time for a macaw to
inflict major injury to the head, face, or neck. The bird
will be just as happy to travel on their owner's arm.
Military
macaws, in general, have moderate talking ability. Some will
learn dozens of words, while some may learn only a few. For
the most part, a happy macaw keeps their screaming to a minimum,
but they will all scream at times. A large bird such as the
military macaw can scream very loudly. Make sure that your
neighbors do not mind the occasional outburst.
After
doing your research and deciding that you have enough time,
space, and money to be a good military macaw owner, the next
step is finding a bird. Military macaws are fairly common
in captivity. Breeders, bird stores, classified ads, and adoption
are all places to look. They can cost between $800 to $1200.
Purchase only close-banded domestically bred military macaws.
These beautiful birds are endangered in the wild, in part
because of smuggling for the pet trade.
When considering
an adult, make every effort to verify that it was bred in
captivity. Buying an adult military macaw can be just as gratifying
as bring home a young bird. Macaws often adapt more easily
than some other birds to life in a new home. It will take
some time for an adult bird to adjust, but they will usually
bond to their new owners just as strongly as a young bird.
When purchasing
a young military macaw, always leave hand-feeding to the breeder
or store. Take the bird home after it is weaned. Hand-feeding
macaws can be very difficult and problems can lead to severe
illness or death. After acquiring a new bird, schedule a physical
exam with an avian veterinarian.
Military
macaws are social animals and need attention from their human
companions. If they do not receive enough attention behavior
problems can develop. Biting, screaming, and feather plucking
are the most common. All of these problems could make life
with a macaw difficult, so it is extremely imperative that
owners ensure the emotional well being of their macaw before
they occur. Unfortunately for macaws, most will not live with
one owner throughout their lives. Often it is the owner who
is responsible for behavior problems that develop.
Military
macaws gentle disposition and playful personality can make
them excellent household additions. When given the proper
care and attention, they will bring decades of companionship.
VANESSA
GIRTON, a professional aviculturist also involved in ornithological
field work, lives in Asheboro, North Carolina.
Adoption
Web sites:
Parrot
Education and Adoption Center www.peac.org
The Gabriel Foundation www.thegabrielfoundation.org
Midwest Avian Adoption and Services, Inc. www.maars.org
Foster Parrots www.fosterparrots.org
|
www.birdtimes.com
