Ara

Ara is a genus of large neotropical parrots known as macaws. They are native to forests, woodlands, and savannas of Central and South America. The genus contains about a dozen species, including the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) and the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), as well as the green-winged macaw (Ara chloroptera) and military macaw (Ara militaris). Macaws in the genus are notable for bright plumage, long tail feathers, strong beaks, and high intelligence. They are highly social, often forming lifelong pair bonds and moving in noisy flocks. Their diets include fruits, nuts, seeds and sometimes clay from riverbanks. Many Ara species are threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, and illegal trapping for the pet trade; several are listed as vulnerable or endangered. Conservation measures include habitat protection, legal protections, and breeding programs in captivity.

Ara is also the name of a southern sky constellation representing an altar. It is relatively small and faint, with no extremely bright stars, and is best viewed from southern latitudes. The constellation lies in a region of the Milky Way rich with star clusters and nebulae, and it contains several deep-sky objects that are studied by astronomers.

In addition to these uses, Ara is a given name in several cultures, notably Armenian, and has historical associations such as Ara the Beautiful, a legendary king. The Latin term ara means altar, a reflected root in the constellation's name.