The Harlequin Macaw

Facts

The Harlequin Macaw is a first generation hybrid macaw. It is a cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw Ara ararauna and a Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera.

Considered one of the most beautiful and well behaved of all the hybrid macaws, the Harlequin Macaws are a cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Green-winged Macaw which makes for a very affectionate, energetic, and captivating youngster. Both parents of the Harlequin Macaw also contribute to the striking colors of their offspring, though the father's have the dominant gene and this will influence their final appearance.

Harlequin Macaws can all be good "talkers" as are the parents. If handled by more people and by both sexes when young, they will tend to be friendly to others rather than to just one person or one gender. However every macaw, as do people, have their own personality. As with all macaws, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets.

The Harlequin Macaw is a full size Macaw. Harlequin Macaws are a very colorful Macaw. In the mating pair of macaw parrots, the males have the dominate gene which affects the appearance of the offspring.

Harlequin Macaws with a Green-winged Macaw father, have a breast color that is orangish. The breast color is a bit more reddish-orange for Harlequins having the Blue & Gold Macaw as the father.

Care and Feeding

Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, pears, grapes, broccoli, and carrots. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually. Fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily; discard when not eaten within 24 hours; Macaws appreciate quality and variety in their food.

Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage that is at least 36" W x 28" D, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1" apart, makes a good home for your parrot; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended.

A variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.