Ara gigantea, also known as the Prehistoric Macaw or Cuban Giant Macaw, is an extinct species of macaw that lived in Cuba during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.5 million to 11,700 years ago.
This bird was enormous, with an estimated length of up to one meter (3.3 feet) and a weight of around 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds). It had a large, powerful beak that could crack open even the hardest nuts and seeds, as well as a strong and sturdy body that allowed it to fly long distances.
Ara gigantea is believed to have lived in the forested areas of Cuba, feeding on a diet of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Fossil remains of this bird have been found in several locations throughout the island, indicating that it was once widespread and abundant.
Unfortunately, like many other large animals that lived during the Pleistocene epoch, Ara gigantea became extinct around 11,700 years ago, possibly due to a combination of climate change and hunting by early humans. Today, its closest living relative is the Cuban Macaw (Ara tricolor), which is much smaller and less robust than its prehistoric ancestor.