With its striking green plumage and red markings on the head, this parrot looks almost like a soldier in full uniform – which is exactly how it got its name, the military macaw.
Today, the military macaw is found in Central and northern South America, where it feeds on berries, fruits and seeds – including some that are normally poisonous.
Like other macaw species, it has developed the ability to eat certain toxic seeds because it later consumes clay from, for example, riverbanks. The clay binds the toxins, preventing them from being absorbed into the body – a kind of natural detox.
In the wild, the species is threatened in some regions, mainly due to illegal trade and habitat loss. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and in Mexico it is considered Endangered.
At Odense ZOO, the beautiful macaw can be found in the South America aviary. During the winter months, however, it prefers to stay inside its warm shelter, so you’ll need a bit of luck to spot it on cold days.