AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ara ambiguus
Great green macaw
(Bechstein, 1811)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
One of the largest parrots in the world, with mostly yellowish-green plumage and a red forehead.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Guacamaya ambigua
Buffon's macawLapa verde
Grand Ara vertTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Psittaciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Psittacidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ara
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bechstein, 1811)
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Very specific humid tropical forests, dependent on the Mountain Almond tree.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly mobile species that performs altitudinal migrations in search of food.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Social; usually found in pairs or small family groups of up to 8 individuals.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialist in Mountain Almond seeds (Dipteryx panamensis).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Crucial for the regeneration of hardwood trees in the tropical forest.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nests almost exclusively in cavities of living Mountain Almond trees.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
85.0 - 90.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.20 kg - 1.40 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
60 - 72 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
26 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males50 - 60 Years
Females50 - 60 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Massive bill designed to break the hard Dipteryx nuts.
Zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward) that facilitate climbing and fruit manipulation.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal logging of the Mountain Almond tree, its main food source and nesting site.
Illegal trade of chicks for the exotic pet market.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Fewer than 1,000 individuals remain in the wild worldwide.
In Costa Rica, this species depends almost entirely on a single tree (Dipteryx panamensis) to survive.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
