The Calico Macaw

Facts

Hybrid macaws are bred for color. The Calico Macaw is a first generation hybrid macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. It is a cross between a Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera and a Military Macaw Ara militaris. The Green-winged Macaw has been has long been a favorite pet bird for both its beauty and its good personality. The Military Macaw is also a favorite with a good temperament, very trainable and highly intelligent.

Because hybrid macaws are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. However the behavior and temperament are more unpredictable.

The parentage of the Calico Macaw is a good mix for a pet bird, a hybrid parrot that is very attractive. With the intelligence and temperament of it parents, it should also be quite trainable, learn to talk and do tricks, and have an amiable nature. As with all macaws, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets.

Calico Macaws are a very colorful hybrid. Both parents of the Calico Macaw contribute to the striking colors of their offspring, though the father's have the dominant gene and this will influence their final appearance. Most often the father is a Green-winged (male Green-winged macaws are more common than females). Some of the characteristics when sired by a Green-winged macaw will be a large bird, with the head and beak shape more typical of the Green-winged. These macaws have a green back with a bronze cast similar to the Military Macaw, but will have a deep red chest and belly.

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.