Military Macaw: Bold Colors and Loyal Companionship

The Striking Green Soldier of the Skies

If you’ve ever glimpsed a Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in flight, you know why it earns its name. There’s a certain regality in the way these birds glide across the skies, wings stretched wide, their green plumage glinting in the sun, with flashes of red and blue marking their tips. It’s almost cinematic—like watching a living, breathing piece of art take off from a cliffside, calling to its flock in sharp, resonant cries that echo across mountains and valleys. And yet, despite their commanding presence, these birds have a heart as loyal and nuanced as any devoted companion.

BIRD PROFILE
Bird	Military Macaw
Binomial Name	Ara militaris
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Psittaciformes
Family	Psittacidae
Subfamily	Arinae
Genus	Ara
Species	A. militaris
Varieties	Ara militaris militaris (nominate), Ara militaris mexicana, Ara militaris boliviana
ENVIRONMENT
Living Environment	Terrestrial; prefers tropical and subtropical forests, arid woodlands, and foothills
Found in	Central and South America – Mexico to northern Argentina
Space Requirement	Large aviary (minimum 8x6x6 ft) or free-flight area; requires daily out-of-cage exercise
Average Lifespan	40–50 years
Exceptional Cases	Up to 60 years in captivity with proper care
Length	27–33 inches (70–85 cm)
Weight	900–1100 grams
Temperature	65–85 °F (18–29 °C)
PERSONALITY
Temperament	Gentle, intelligent, affectionate, but can be loud and stubborn
Social Behaviour	Highly social; bonds strongly with owners or flock; enjoys social interaction and playtime
Diet	Omnivore
Food Type	Pellets, nuts, seeds, fruits, leafy greens, and occasional protein sources
KEY FACTORS AFFECTING LIFESPAN
Enclosure / Cage	Requires a large, durable cage; lack of space leads to stress and feather plucking
Habitat / Water quality	Clean, dry environment with proper ventilation; regular misting helps maintain humidity
Diet	A balanced diet prevents malnutrition, fatty liver disease, and obesity
Companions	Can live with other macaws if introduced carefully; prefers companionship or daily human interaction
Temperature / Environment stability	Sensitive to cold or sudden temperature drops; prefers warm, consistent climate
CARE DIFFICULTY
Difficulty Level	Moderate to Hard
Messiness	High; produces food debris and feather dust, requiring frequent cleaning
Additional Requirements	– Large, sturdy cage or aviary – Enrichment toys for mental stimulation – Regular bathing opportunities – UVB lighting indoors for health – Daily social interaction and exercise
Special Notes	Known for loyalty and intelligence; thrives with structured routines and consistent human contact; endangered in the wild due to habitat loss

Military Macaws aren’t as flashy as the Scarlet or Blue-and-yellow Macaws—they don’t have that “tropical neon” vibe—but their deep, forest-green feathers, crimson forehead, and cobalt flight feathers give them a distinct elegance. They are a subtle kind of show-stopper: not overwhelming, but impossible to ignore once you notice the details. Each feather seems to catch the light differently, hinting at the complexity and vibrancy of the bird itself.

These macaws are more than just color—they’re brains and personality packed into one elegant package. Intelligent, playful, and surprisingly affectionate, they build tight bonds with their flock and, when kept responsibly, with human caretakers. Their calls are loud and piercing, yes, but they are also incredibly social birds. You can sense the intelligence behind every sharp note, every careful maneuver through dense canopy or across open skies.

Native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, Military Macaws occupy rugged habitats—steep cliffs, subtropical forests, and river valleys. They are the type of bird that thrives in both isolation and community, depending on the needs of the moment. In the wild, they’re alert, quick, and deliberate. In captivity, when their environment and mental stimulation are thoughtfully provided, they reveal a different side: the tender, playful companion who follows you from room to room, watches your every move, and insists on participating in your daily routine.

But here’s the thing about the Military Macaw—they’re not casual pets. Anyone who has spent time with one knows that this species demands engagement. You can’t just set them up with a bowl of pellets and expect magic. They need mental challenges, social interaction, and space to express their natural behaviors. It’s that challenge that makes them so rewarding. The payoff isn’t just a bird in a cage—it’s a friend, a confidant, and a co-conspirator in your household’s daily adventures.

When comparing them to other macaws, you start to appreciate their understated charisma. They may not match the Hyacinth Macaw’s grandeur or the Scarlet Macaw’s striking reds and yellows, but Military Macaws have a quiet dignity, a disciplined air that feels almost soldierly—hence the name. Their loyalty is deep, their intelligence evident in problem-solving and interaction, and their social awareness remarkable.

In this article, we’ll explore the Military Macaw’s world: from their distinctive appearance and vibrant personality to the wild habitats they navigate with grace. We’ll discuss what it takes to care for them in captivity, their fascinating breeding habits, and their enduring popularity among bird enthusiasts. By the end, you’ll see why these green-feathered giants of loyalty and courage aren’t just another parrot—they’re a living emblem of nature’s precision, beauty, and intelligence, commanding respect wherever they go.

Appearance and Personality: Vibrant, Intelligent, and Affectionate

Military Macaws (Ara militaris) are striking birds, a perfect blend of boldness and subtle elegance. They might not explode in neon hues like a Scarlet Macaw, but their forest-green feathers, crimson forehead, and blue-tipped wings create a sophisticated palette that’s impossible to overlook. Their long tails, often a mix of green and subtle blue, add grace to their flight, giving them a streamlined, almost tactical look—like nature’s perfect aviary soldier.

Plumage and Distinctive Features

One glance at a Military Macaw and you immediately notice the details. Unlike larger macaws such as the Hyacinth or the Blue-and-Gold, they strike a balance: compact, muscular bodies with feathers that shimmer differently in sunlight, depending on the angle. Their red foreheads aren’t just a splash of color—they act like a signature, a hint of personality, while the blue primary feathers provide contrast that makes their flight mesmerizing.

• Average length: 70–85 cm (28–33 inches) from beak to tail
• Weight: 900–1,100 grams, making them smaller than Scarlet or Hyacinth Macaws
• Beak: strong, curved, perfect for cracking tough seeds and nuts
• Eyes: pale yellow, often expressive and intelligent, giving them an alert, inquisitive appearance

Every feature serves a purpose. The powerful beak doesn’t just help them feed—it’s also a tool for climbing, grooming, and exploring objects in captivity. Their feet are zygodactyl, meaning two toes face forward and two backward, giving them remarkable dexterity for grasping, climbing, and manipulating objects.

Personality Traits and Temperament

Military Macaws are as much personality as they are plumage. They’re intelligent, playful, and extremely social—qualities that make them endearing companions for experienced bird enthusiasts. Unlike some macaws that can be aloof or intimidating, Military Macaws blend loyalty and curiosity in a way that draws people in.

Some key traits include:

• Loyalty: form strong bonds with their flock or human caregivers
• Playfulness: love climbing, swinging, and interacting with toys
• Vocal: can be loud, but also capable of mimicking words or sounds with effort and patience
• Intelligence: excel at problem-solving, foraging challenges, and learning tricks

In many ways, they are like a green-feathered strategist—calculating, curious, and always aware of their surroundings. If you leave a new toy or puzzle, you’ll see them approach carefully, examine it with their beak and feet, and eventually figure out how to manipulate it. It’s fascinating to watch, almost like seeing a tiny engineer at work.

Social Behavior and Interaction

In the wild, Military Macaws live in small flocks, usually 10–30 birds. Social bonds are strong: preening, sharing food, and flying in coordinated patterns. This social nature translates well to captivity—they thrive on interaction and companionship. A solitary macaw can become bored, frustrated, or even develop behavioral issues such as feather plucking if left without stimulation.

Some owners describe their Military Macaw as “small but mighty.” They’ll perch on a shoulder, follow you from room to room, and observe your actions with sharp curiosity. While they’re not the easiest macaw to train, their cleverness and eagerness to bond make training sessions incredibly rewarding. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they pick up hand signals, simple words, or tricks like waving or spinning.

Play and Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is essential. Unlike low-maintenance birds, Military Macaws require daily interaction. They enjoy:

• Foraging puzzles that hide treats inside
• Shreddable toys made from paper or wood
• Climbing ropes, ladders, and swings
• Short training sessions with positive reinforcement

Without these outlets, their energy can turn into mischief—chewing furniture, excessive screaming, or obsessive behaviors. But with the right engagement, their personality shines: affectionate, confident, and even a little cheeky.

Comparisons to Other Macaws

While their size is smaller than the Scarlet or Hyacinth Macaw, their temperament often mirrors the larger species: strong-willed, intelligent, and deeply social. However, their smaller frame makes them slightly easier to handle in a home environment, provided they have enough space, toys, and attention.

The Military Macaw is a paradox of elegance and intensity: modest in size but rich in color, loyalty, and intelligence. They captivate not through sheer size or flamboyance, but through their personality, dedication to their bonds, and the subtle sophistication of their appearance.

Natural Habitat and Behavior: Mountains, Forests, and Social Flocks

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) isn’t just a marvel in captivity—their true brilliance emerges in the wild. Native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, these birds inhabit rugged terrains that demand agility, strength, and intelligence. Their habitats range from subtropical forests and river valleys to rocky cliffs and mountain edges. Unlike the Scarlet Macaw, which often thrives in dense rainforest canopies, Military Macaws prefer semi-open woodlands and cliff faces, giving them a mix of shelter and wide flight corridors to patrol and socialize.

Geographic Range and Environment

Military Macaws are surprisingly adaptable. In Mexico, they’re spotted in Oaxaca and Chiapas, often near oak or pine forests. Further south, in Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, they inhabit dry tropical forests, gallery forests, and canyon areas. Their environment is typically marked by:

• Cliffs and rocky outcrops for nesting
• Tall trees for roosting and foraging
• Seasonal availability of fruits, seeds, and nuts

The choice of cliffside nesting is fascinating—it’s both a defense strategy and a social signal. The elevated location protects their young from terrestrial predators while providing the adults with a clear vantage point to monitor flock movements. It’s an evolutionary dance of safety and opportunity.

Daily Life and Social Dynamics

Military Macaws are social but not as densely flocked as some macaw species. A typical group might be 10–30 birds, forming tight-knit communities with clear hierarchies. Within these flocks, they engage in complex social behaviors:

• Mutual preening to strengthen bonds
• Coordinated flights that resemble aerial choreography
• Vocal exchanges to communicate about food, danger, or territory

They’re loud—yes—but not for mere show. Every screech, squawk, or whistle carries meaning. A distant call can alert the flock to a predator, signal the discovery of a fruiting tree, or coordinate movement across difficult terrain. Watching a flock navigate cliffs and valleys is mesmerizing; it’s like seeing a living, breathing symphony of green wings and sound.

Feeding and Foraging

Diet is another window into their adaptability. Military Macaws feed on a diverse mix of:

• Nuts and seeds from native trees like acacia and palms
• Fruits such as figs, guavas, and wild berries
• Occasional flowers or leaves

Their strong, curved beaks are perfectly suited for cracking tough shells, and their dexterous feet allow them to manipulate food with impressive precision. Foragers often work together, with one bird sometimes alerting the others to danger while another feeds—an unspoken collaboration that strengthens the flock’s cohesion.

Breeding Behavior in the Wild

Nesting takes place in cliff cavities or occasionally large tree hollows. Breeding season varies by region but generally coincides with food abundance, ensuring that chicks have ample nutrition. Females lay 2–4 eggs, which they incubate for about 28 days. Both parents are involved: the female mostly incubates, while the male supplies food and keeps watch.

Chicks are born naked and blind, requiring constant attention. As they grow, parents introduce them gradually to solid foods, preparing them for independent flight. Observing this process in the wild is a delicate reminder of the precision and care inherent in nature: even small miscalculations in feeding or vigilance can affect survival.

Conservation and Habitat Threats

Military Macaws face significant threats in the wild. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment reduces available nesting sites and foraging areas. Illegal trapping for the pet trade also pressures wild populations, although conservation measures, including legal protection and CITES regulations, have reduced some of the impact.

Interestingly, their preference for cliffside nesting provides a natural refuge. These hard-to-reach locations mean that many breeding pairs remain undisturbed, allowing populations to persist in certain remote areas despite broader environmental pressures. Still, ongoing habitat preservation is critical to ensure these elegant birds continue to thrive.

Behavior Insights for Captivity

Understanding wild behavior is crucial for responsible care. Their intelligence, social needs, and flight instincts translate directly to captive environments. Providing vertical space, enrichment that mimics foraging, and daily social interaction helps replicate natural stimuli. Observing wild flocks can inspire how we design aviaries: perches at varying heights, climbing structures, and hidden food puzzles mimic the challenges they face in nature.

Military Macaws are a testament to adaptability, courage, and social sophistication. Whether soaring along cliff faces, calling across valleys, or negotiating social hierarchies within a flock, they display an intelligence and grace that demands respect.

Military Macaw in Captivity: Housing and Care Essentials

Bringing a Military Macaw (Ara militaris) into captivity requires more than a large cage—it demands an environment that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs. These parrots are intelligent, curious, and highly active, which means confinement without proper enrichment leads quickly to stress or destructive behavior. When provided the right care, however, they form deep bonds, show remarkable trainability, and can become lifelong companions.

Space and Enclosure Design

Military Macaws need space to move, stretch, and climb. A single bird should never be kept in a small cage. The minimum recommended enclosure size is about 3 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 2 meters high, though larger is always better. Ideally, you should provide an outdoor aviary or a spacious indoor flight cage with multiple levels and perching points.

Important features include:

• Horizontal and vertical space: They love to climb and flap their wings.
• Sturdy perches: Use natural hardwood branches that mimic tree limbs.
• Secure locks: These macaws are skilled escape artists and can open simple latches.
• Varied textures and materials: Perches of different diameters and textures prevent foot strain.

The floor should be easy to clean and lined with a safe substrate like paper or aspen shavings. Avoid sand or gravel, which can harbor bacteria.

Environmental Enrichment

A bored Military Macaw becomes a loud, frustrated macaw. Their natural curiosity and need for mental stimulation are immense. You can reduce stress and feather plucking by providing:

• Chewable toys: Wooden blocks, palm leaves, and natural fiber ropes for beak exercise.
• Foraging puzzles: Hide nuts or pellets in boxes or hanging feeders to encourage problem-solving.
• Climbing structures: Ropes, swings, and ladders simulate their arboreal habits.
• Sound and interaction: Background music or gentle talking helps mimic the social chatter of wild flocks.

Rotate toys every week to keep them interesting. If neglected, these birds will create their own “toys” by dismantling cage parts or chewing furniture.

Diet and Nutrition

In captivity, diet determines health, feather quality, and lifespan. A Military Macaw’s diet should be varied and balanced:

• Pellets: Form 60–70 percent of the diet. Choose high-quality, dye-free pellets.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Offer daily options such as apples, oranges, carrots, leafy greens, and bell peppers.
• Nuts and seeds: Use sparingly as treats due to high fat content.
• Protein sources: Occasionally include cooked beans, eggs, or legumes.

Avoid chocolate, avocado, caffeine, and high-sodium foods—they are toxic. Provide fresh water daily and mist them lightly to maintain feather condition and humidity.

Socialization and Mental Health

Military Macaws are highly social and emotional. In the wild, they live in bonded pairs and interact constantly with their flock. In captivity, they need daily human interaction or companionship from another macaw. Without it, loneliness and anxiety set in, often manifesting as screaming or feather plucking.

Daily activities to maintain mental balance include:

• Interactive play sessions: 1–2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time.
• Training with positive reinforcement: Teaches commands like “step up” and builds trust.
• Routine and structure: Predictable feeding and play schedules reduce stress.

Consistency makes them feel safe. Once bonded, they are affectionate, sometimes following their keeper around the room or gently nuzzling for attention.

Grooming and Maintenance

Proper grooming supports comfort and health. Keep their nails trimmed, but avoid over-clipping. Beak trimming is rarely needed if they have access to natural wood and chew toys. Regular misting or supervised baths keep feathers clean and vibrant.

Macaws also need exposure to natural sunlight or a UVB light source. This supports vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption, essential for bone and feather strength.

Noise and Neighbor Considerations

Military Macaws are vocal by nature. Their calls can reach 100 decibels or more, comparable to a motorcycle engine. Potential owners must consider whether neighbors or household members can tolerate their volume. Early socialization, mental enrichment, and plenty of activity help moderate excessive calling, but silence is unrealistic for this species.

Health Monitoring

A healthy Military Macaw has bright eyes, smooth feathers, and an alert posture. Regular veterinary checkups are essential. Watch for signs of illness such as:

• Reduced appetite or lethargy
• Labored breathing or nasal discharge
• Fluffed feathers and isolation behavior
• Abnormal droppings

Common issues include psittacosis, respiratory infections, and vitamin deficiencies—most preventable through hygiene, balanced diet, and adequate space.

A Companion with Personality

When raised in a stimulating, loving environment, a Military Macaw reveals its true nature—intelligent, loyal, and interactive. They learn quickly, mimic speech, and often display a sense of humor that feels almost human. This strong personality makes them a joy for experienced keepers who understand the commitment involved.

Breeding and Lifespan: The Long Journey of a Loyal Companion

Military Macaws (Ara militaris) aren’t just remarkable for their beauty and intelligence—they are a species built for longevity and strong familial bonds. Understanding their breeding habits and lifespan is crucial, whether you are a conservationist, an aviculturist, or simply an enthusiast fascinated by these birds. These macaws invest deeply in their offspring, and their social and reproductive behaviors reflect the sophistication that makes them such captivating creatures.

Breeding Behavior and Nesting

In the wild, Military Macaws are monogamous, often forming life-long bonds with a single mate. These pairs engage in elaborate courtship rituals:

• Mutual preening, which strengthens their bond
• Synchronized flight displays over forest canopies or cliff edges
• Soft vocalizations, distinct from the loud squawks used in flock communication

Nesting sites are carefully chosen. Unlike Scarlet Macaws that may use tree cavities, Military Macaws prefer cliffs or high rocky outcrops. These elevated locations protect eggs and chicks from predators, provide a clear vantage point, and reduce competition with other species. Occasionally, large tree hollows serve as nesting sites, particularly in areas where cliffs are unavailable.

A typical clutch consists of 2–4 eggs, laid at intervals of 2–3 days. The female incubates the eggs for roughly 28 days while the male brings food and guards the nest. This team effort is critical—the chicks are helpless at birth, blind and featherless, requiring constant care to survive.

Raising the Young

After hatching, chicks develop quickly but are entirely dependent on parental care. The female broods them while the male supplies food and maintains vigilance. As the chicks grow, parents introduce them to solid foods gradually, teaching essential survival skills such as cracking seeds and identifying edible fruits.

In captivity, replicating this natural care is challenging but possible with proper aviary design, nutrition, and attentive human intervention. Successful breeding requires:

• A spacious, safe nesting site that mimics cliff or tree cavity conditions
• Consistent diet rich in calcium and protein for egg-laying females
• Social stability—stress can interrupt incubation or chick-rearing

Breeding in captivity isn’t just about producing offspring—it’s a long-term project demanding patience, careful observation, and respect for the bird’s natural rhythms.

Lifespan and Longevity

Military Macaws are long-lived birds, capable of remarkable longevity when properly cared for. In the wild, their lifespan averages 30–40 years, limited by predation, disease, and habitat pressures. In captivity, with proper diet, enrichment, and veterinary care, they can live 50 years or more. Some individuals surpass even this, becoming lifelong companions that witness decades of a family’s life.

This long lifespan requires commitment from owners. Unlike smaller parrots that might have shorter lifespans, Military Macaws are a decades-long responsibility. A bonded bird can develop strong attachments, meaning changes in ownership or environment must be managed carefully to avoid stress and behavioral issues.

Key Considerations for Breeders and Owners

Breeding Military Macaws isn’t for casual bird enthusiasts. Considerations include:

• Pair bonding: Only mature, compatible pairs should be housed together.
• Environmental enrichment: Nesting sites, foraging opportunities, and climbing structures are essential.
• Monitoring health: Egg-laying females require calcium-rich diets to prevent deficiencies.
• Socialization: Both adults and chicks benefit from daily interaction to ensure healthy mental development.

Comparison to Other Macaws

While Scarlet Macaws and Blue-and-Yellow Macaws may reach larger sizes and have more flamboyant colors, Military Macaws demonstrate a unique blend of modesty and reliability. Their smaller flock sizes, strong pair bonds, and methodical parenting set them apart. In many ways, observing or raising a Military Macaw is like witnessing a carefully orchestrated ballet—each movement precise, purposeful, and meaningful.

Commitment and Reward

The journey of a Military Macaw—from a fledgling chick to a fully matured adult—is long and intricate. It’s a partnership that demands care, patience, and respect, but the rewards are profound. These birds aren’t just pets; they are family members with personality, loyalty, and intelligence that shine through decades of interaction.

Cultural Significance and Human Fascination

Military Macaws (Ara militaris) are more than just vibrant birds soaring through South and Central American skies—they are symbols, muses, and companions that have captured human imagination for centuries. Their striking appearance, intelligence, and social bonds have intertwined them with human culture, from ancient traditions to modern aviculture, making them much more than a spectacle of feathers and color.

Historical and Indigenous Connections

Indigenous communities across Mexico, Central America, and the northern Andes have long recognized Military Macaws for both practical and symbolic reasons. Their feathers were prized for ceremonial headdresses, dances, and sacred regalia. The green feathers, mixed with splashes of red and blue, represented fertility, courage, and vitality. In many myths, the macaw’s sharp calls were considered messages from the spirit world, a warning or blessing depending on the context.

Military Macaws were also part of daily life. Tribes observed their feeding and flight patterns, gaining insights into seasonal changes, forest health, and water availability. Their presence signaled flourishing ecosystems, and they were treated with respect, not merely hunted for feathers or trade.

Modern Human Fascination

Today, Military Macaws continue to captivate bird enthusiasts, photographers, and conservationists alike. Unlike the flashy Scarlet Macaw or the colossal Hyacinth Macaw, the Military Macaw’s charm lies in its balance of subtlety and intelligence. People are drawn to them for several reasons:

• Color and beauty: Forest-green plumage with red accents provides a striking yet elegant visual.
• Personality: Their loyalty, playfulness, and problem-solving skills create engaging companionship.
• Rarity: Being less common than other macaws adds a layer of exclusivity and fascination.
• Conservation interest: Their vulnerable status sparks curiosity and dedication from those passionate about preservation.

Enthusiasts and professional aviculturists often highlight their intelligence and affectionate nature. In homes or aviaries, they form bonds that feel almost human, engaging in playful antics, mimicking sounds, and demonstrating a clear understanding of routines. Their vocalizations, while loud, are expressive, often interpreted as attempts at communication rather than mere noise—a trait that draws observers into a deeper appreciation of avian cognition.

Influence in Media and Popular Culture

Military Macaws occasionally appear in documentaries, nature films, and photography projects focused on rainforest ecosystems. While not as ubiquitous as other macaws, their unique green-and-red combination and striking yellow eyes make them stand out in any visual medium. They embody the wild spirit of the regions they inhabit, often symbolizing resilience, loyalty, and intelligence in artistic interpretations.

Even among birdkeepers, their presence inspires a deep sense of dedication. Training a Military Macaw, understanding its moods, and watching its problem-solving skills in action becomes a daily fascination. Their capacity for mimicry, subtle social cues, and emotional responsiveness fosters a level of interaction that few other bird species offer.

Conservation Awareness

Human fascination has also given rise to a conservation movement. Habitat destruction and illegal pet trade once pushed Military Macaws toward serious vulnerability. Today, conservation programs, breeding initiatives, and legal protections under CITES help stabilize populations. Enthusiasts who keep these birds responsibly become ambassadors for the species, spreading awareness of their ecological and cultural importance.

Owning or interacting with a Military Macaw isn’t just about having a pet—it’s a chance to connect with centuries of tradition, ecology, and intelligence. These birds teach patience, respect, and the joy of discovery, revealing that companionship with wildlife can be profound, even in a domestic setting.

Enduring Appeal

The Military Macaw’s appeal isn’t fleeting. They combine the beauty of exotic plumage, the loyalty of a devoted companion, and the intelligence of a clever problem-solver. Whether flying in the wild, perched in an aviary, or observing humans with keen interest, they embody a timeless fascination that spans cultures and generations.

Their story reminds us that some creatures are more than just species—they are symbols of nature’s intricacy, resilience, and charm. The Military Macaw continues to inspire awe, nurture bonds, and challenge us to understand and respect the world we share with these green-winged soldiers.