Green-Winged Macaw
(Ara chloropterus)
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.
~Genesis 1:20-23
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Range: Found throughout Central and South America, from eastern Panama through northern and central South America, including Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Habitat: Prefers tropical rainforests, woodlands, and savannahs, often near rivers and in lowland forests.
Lifespan: Up to 60–70 years in the wild; can live over 80 years in captivity.
Size: 90–95 cm (35–37 inches) in length with a wingspan of up to 120–150 cm (47–59 inches).
Diet: Primarily fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, and leaves. They also consume clay from riverbanks to neutralize toxins found in some seeds.
Clutch Size: Typically 2–3 eggs per clutch.
Incubation: About 25–28 days, with the female incubating while the male provides food.
Green-winged Macaws display a remarkable example of God’s intentional design in creation, even in a fallen world. Their behavior of eating clay from riverbanks, known as geophagy, is not a random habit but a God-given instinct that helps them survive. Many of the seeds and fruits they eat contain natural toxins, a result of the world’s brokenness after the Fall. Yet, God, in His wisdom, designed these macaws with an innate knowledge to seek out clay, which binds to the toxins and neutralizes them, protecting the birds from harm. This behavior also provides essential minerals that support their health. Such intricate survival strategies reflect God’s care and provision, showcasing how His design equips His creatures to thrive, even amid the challenges of a world affected by sin.
Eating Clay
Unique Facial Pattern
Green-winged Macaws are known for their striking facial patterns, which are as unique as human fingerprints. Unlike many other macaw species, their bare facial skin is a pale, almost white color adorned with fine lines of small red feathers that create distinctive stripes. These feather lines vary from bird to bird, making each macaw’s face uniquely identifiable. This feature not only adds to their vivid appearance but also plays a role in social interactions, as individuals can recognize one another by these subtle facial markings. The contrast between the bold red plumage of their head and the delicate facial lines highlights the intricate beauty of this remarkable species, revealing the unmistakable fingerprints of God in their design.
Brilliant Beauty
The Green-Winged Macaw is a breathtaking testament to the creativity and beauty of God's design. Cloaked in brilliant crimson, vibrant green, and deep blue, this majestic bird reflects the handiwork of a Creator who delights in splendor and detail. As it soars through the rainforest canopy, its dazzling colors declare the glory of God, just as Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Even the intricate lines of red feathers on its bare white face show that nothing in creation is accidental — each detail reveals intentional craftsmanship meant to inspire awe and wonder. Through the Green-Winged Macaw, we catch a glimpse of the boundless imagination and love of the One who spoke life into existence.