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The harlequin macaw is a beautiful, popular hybrid parrot that makes an excellent pet for the right person. Macaws are needy birds, requiring experienced or dedicated parrot handlers. This full-sized macaw tends to do well with families; these birds thrive on socialization and a lot of interaction with other birds or people. They are good talkers, friendly, and have rather amusing personalities.
Common Name: Harlequin macaw
Scientific Name: Hybrid Ara chloropterus x Ara ararauna
Adult Size: 35 and 40 inches long, weighing 2 to 3 1/2 pounds
Life Expectancy: 50 years, some may reach up to 80
The word "harlequin" has two meanings that are very appropriate for this bird. In one sense, it refers to a joker or clown, which perfectly reflects its personality. It can also mean "variations of color and pattern," an apt description for this beautiful, rainbow-colored parrot.
Only bred in captivity, it is very rare to find harlequin macaws in the wild. This bird is known as a first-generation hybrid because it comes from two "true" species of macaw, the blue and gold macaw and the greenwing macaw. The result is a bird with the coloring and characteristics of both parent birds.
The harlequin is also crossed with other true and hybrid macaws to produce second-generation hybrids. The most common macaws that have the harlequin's genes include:
Hybrids like the harlequin macaw are "the best of both worlds." The parent species of the harlequin usually have laid-back, affectionate personalities with good speech abilities and high intelligence. They can be taught fun tricks like waving, dancing, fetching, and more.
While no two birds are the same, they're generally described as fun, friendly, and somewhat comical. Socialized with people from the start, these macaws will likely enjoy the company of many different individuals throughout their life. You do not want your birds to become one-person birds or develop a preference for either men or women, which can happen if they have limited exposure to one or the other.
A harlequin macaw will have moments of frustration and become cranky. Yet, it is an excellent choice for those who would like a large bird with an even temper and calm demeanor.
All parrots tend to be loud, but macaws are the poster-birds for ear-shattering vocalizations. If you don't want your parrot to awaken you early every morning by screaming at the top of its lungs, do not get a macaw. (On the upside, you will never miss an early morning flight if you have one of these birds as an alarm clock!) Also, if you are looking for a conversational parrot, macaws are the way to go. These birds can develop a vocabulary of 15 or so words with training.
Harlequin macaws have a wide variation in their colors and patterns. They are often mistaken for Catalina macaws, which are another hybrid with similar coloration.
A harlequin's coloring depends mostly on if the blue and gold or greenwing was the male parent. Males have dominant genes. This difference is most prevalent in the color of a harlequin's breast and belly. With a blue and gold father, the breast will be red-orange. If the father is a greenwing, the breast feathers will be a lighter orange.
Most harlequins have striking tones of green and blue on their backs. They also tend to have gold feathers on the underside of their tail feathers. Males and females look the same, and without genetic or surgical sexing, it's nearly impossible to know the sex of harlequins.
Harlequin macaws require a lot of socialization and handling, so expect to spend time with the bird daily. A macaw that becomes bored or feels neglected can act out by biting, destroying things around the house, or resort to self-mutilation and feather plucking.
These birds need a large cage that is at least 5-foot square and 8-foot high placed in a draft-free location. It should include a perch and plenty of stimulating toys to keep it occupied while confined. The cage needs to be cleaned at least every two months or more often if it gets soiled quicker. Your bird will appreciate water to bathe in as well as occasional misting.
Before rushing out to buy a harlequin macaw, think seriously about the commitment involved in keeping such a bird. Not only can these birds live for five decades or more, but the costs of veterinary bills, high-quality feed, toys, and cages add up quickly. If you feel that you wouldn't be able to provide a bird with the best of everything, consider holding off on adopting one until you can.
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