The ara are a race of tropical bird-people that resemble large humanoid macaws. They live in nest complexes built in the high branches of jungle trees, well above the jungle floor. Ara society is based on extended family groups; most ara village inhabitants are related, with the eldest female serving as matriarch and overseer of the settlement's spiritual needs. On occasion, several families band together to form a single larger community for mutual benefit. Male and female ara trade off responsibilities, such as caring for youngsters or venturing out to gather fruits and succulents. Ara are a fairly insular people and generally avoid contact with outsiders; however, they can sometimes be persuaded to trade, as they value metal tools and weapons. Ara are peaceful, and if their home territory is threatened, they are most likely to simply relocate to a less-dangerous location. As eggs and young ara cannot easily be moved, the ara fight fiercely to defend themselves during the breeding season and as the young grow to adulthood. A few ara leave their island homes to venture into the outside world, but these are a rare and exotic sight.