Military macaw

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Military macaw
A military macaw at the London Zoo
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Psittaciformes
Family:	Psittacidae
Genus:	Ara
Species:	A. militaris
Binomial name
Ara militaris (Linnaeus, 1766)
Distribution of the 3 subspecies of military macaw
Synonyms
Psittacus militaris Linnaeus, 1766

The military macaw (Ara militaris) is a medium- to large-sized macaw, named after its green and red plumage vaguely resembling a military uniform. It is native from west-central Mexico south through northern Argentina and Bolivia. While most wild populations are currently listed by the IUCN as vulnerable - and listed as endangered by Mexico - the species is still seen commonly in zoos and parks worldwide. The military macaw may be bred in captivity with relative ease, and is usually available through the pet trade. It is among the longest-lived^[3] and most expensive bird species^[4] one can own, requiring advanced knowledge, experience and confidence to keep them healthy, stimulated and thriving.