Ara is a Tupi (Brazilian) Indian word which is a component of various bird names such as ararauna, a macaw, aratica, a hummingbird, and araracanga, a parrot. ambigua means doubtful or uncertain and is usually a reference to status as a distinct species or uncertain systematic position. This bird likes the canopy of humid lowland forest which is where this one was photographed along with several others, in the high canopy at La Selva biological station, Costa Rica. These birds range widely tracking the fruit of the Dipteryx. Alexander Skutch in his 1989 book 'A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica' listed them as widespread but increasingly scarce. In 2000 it was estimated that there were only 30 or 35 pairs left in Costa Rica due to deforestation and illegal pet trade. In Costa Rica, the mountain almond is logged as a valuable tropical hardwood used for flooring and truck beds; this tree provides vital food and shelter for the great green macaw and its removal has had devastating consequences to the species. We were probably looking at about 10% of Costa Ricas entire population of these birds and it was a sight not often seen by our guide.