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THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittacidae

Red-and-green Macaw

Ara chloropterus

Meet the red-and-green macaw: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Red-and-green Macaw — Ara chloropterus
Red-and-green Macaw
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus), also known as the green-winged macaw, is a large, mostly-red macaw of the genus Ara. It is popular in aviculture, and is the second most commonly kept macaw species after the blue-and-yellow macaw. However, they are not as common in captivity as the blue-and-yellow, and are much more expensive; prices are often double that of the blue-and-gold. This is the largest of the genus Ara, widespread in the forests and woodlands of northern and central South America. However, in common with other macaws, in recent years there has been a marked decline in its numbers due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the parrot trade.

Where it occurs

Eastern Panama south and east of the Andes, to Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay; formerly also northeastern Argentina.

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as least concern. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: Arjan Haverkamp. Original file and full credit · CC BY 2.0. Display size and encoding adjusted.