Looking for an intelligent, affectionate large parrot? The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) for sale here is hand-raised, closed-banded, and fully documented, making it a serious choice for experienced bird owners. Browse our full Macaw collection, including our Blue and Gold Macaws and Hyacinth Macaws for sale.
Characteristics
The Military Macaw is known for its striking green plumage, accented by red and blue on the wings and tail, with a distinctive patch of bare skin around the eyes. Adults typically reach 27–32 inches in length and weigh 900–1,100 grams, making them a mid-sized macaw – more compact than a Blue and Gold or Hyacinth, but still a serious commitment in size and enrichment needs.
Natural Habitat
Military Macaws are native to forests and woodlands across Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. They inhabit a range of environments from lowland forests to mountainous regions, which contributes to their notable adaptability in captivity as well.
Temperament
Military Macaws are social, intelligent birds that form strong bonds with their caregivers. They’re often described as more focused and trainable than the more “playful” Blue and Gold Macaw, making them well suited to owners who want to invest in training and mimicry work. They are, however, loud – their contact call can reach well over 100 decibels — so living situation matters before you commit.
Care Requirements
A Military Macaw needs a spacious enclosure with room to climb and stretch its wings, sturdy perches, and daily enrichment toys. Their diet should combine high-quality pelleted macaw food with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional nuts. Regular avian vet check-ups are essential — budget for both routine exams and unexpected care, since these birds can live 40–60 years and are a genuine long-term investment.
Military Macaw Price
Prices for Military Macaws is between $1050 – $2500, vary based on age, whether the bird is hand-raised or parent-raised, DNA sexing, and documentation. Be cautious of unusually low prices, which can indicate health issues or improperly documented birds.
Legal Documentation & the Closed-Band Standard
Military Macaws are protected under CITES Appendix I and listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Every bird we sell is captive-bred with a seamless, closed leg band – the industry standard proof that a bird was hatched in a domestic aviary rather than wild-caught. [Insert your actual documentation: CBW permit, hatch certificate, CITES paperwork]. US buyers should note that interstate sales typically require a Federal Captive-Bred Wildlife (CBW) permit – we handle this as part of every sale / please contact us to confirm requirements for your state.
Military Macaw Eggs & Breeding
Military Macaw eggs incubate for approximately 24–28 days. Breeding requires a suitable nesting environment, a nutritious diet for the breeding pair, and dedicated veterinary oversight throughout the process — not recommended outside experienced breeding programs.
Military Macaw vs. Other Macaw Species
Military Macaw vs. Blue and Gold Macaw: The Military Macaw is smaller overall, with a distinct facial patch and less blue coloring on the wings than the Blue and Gold.
Military Macaw vs. Buffon’s Macaw: Buffon’s Macaw is larger, with a more extensive blue wing patch, though both species share the bare facial skin patch characteristic of macaws.
Military Macaw vs. Severe Macaw: The Severe Macaw is notably smaller with more subdued coloration and lacks the Military’s distinctive facial patch.
