Dominican green-and-yellow macaw

Ara atwoodi

The Dominican green-and-yellow macaw (Ara atwoodi) is an unknown species of parrot reported on the island nation of Dominica in the West Indies. The only known report of this cryptid was featured in British chief of Justice of Dominica, Thomas Atwood’s 1791 book The History of the Island of Dominica.

Atwood describes the bird as larger than the “common parrot”, presumably meaning a sisserou parrot, with distinct bright green and yellow plumage. Around the ears and bill is scarlet coloured fleshy skin. Dominican green-and-yellow macaws were said to be highly social, frugivorous and would only breed in the tops of trees. Atwood also described that their meat tastes horrible, as it is very dry and fatty, but was sometimes used as an ingredient in soup. 

If the Dominican green-and-yellow macaw ever existed, it probably would have died out in the 19th or early 20th century due to deforestation. Although only one anecdotal account of the Dominican green-and-yellow macaw exists, it is sometimes accepted as a valid species by scientists due to the plausible description and credibility of Thomas Atwood.