The Harlequin macaw is a beautiful hybrid parrot that makes an excellent pet for the right person. This full-sized macaw tends to do well with families because the birds thrive on socialization. They are also excellent talkers, friendly, and have rather amusing personalities.
Harlequin Macaw Hybrid this hybrid is a cross between a Greenwing macaw and a Blue & Gold Macaw. Harlequin Macaws are quite intelligent, trainable, and adept at learning tricks. They can learn to talk with a general vocabulary of about 15 or more words or expressions.
Harlequin Macaws is a 1st generation hybrid. This means a Harlequin Macaws parents are a cross of two naturally occurring species. They live 60 to 85 years, and some even older due to modern healthier diets, exercise, and mental stimulation. Macaws are not a parrot for first-time bird owners, and a lot of thought and consideration should go into the idea of getting one for a companion bird.
ADULT SIZE: 35 and 40 inches long, weighing 2 to 3 1/2 pounds
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 50 years, some may reach up to 80
Temperament
People who own hybrid birds like the harlequin macaw claim to have the “best of both worlds.” That’s because the parents of the harlequin are known for having laid-back and affectionate personalities with good speech abilities and high intelligence.
While each bird will have its own individual personality, they’re generally described as fun, friendly, and rather comical. If they get a lot of socialization with people as a young bird, these macaws will enjoy the company of many different people throughout its life. Without that, they can become one-person birds or develop a preference for either men or women, whichever they’re around most often.
A harlequin macaw will have moments of frustration and become cranky, just like any other parrot. It is an excellent choice for those who would like a large bird that usually has an even temper and calm demeanor. This is not a bird for everyone because it does pose some unique challenges for an owner.
Caring for a Harlequin Macaw
The requirements for providing a right home for a harlequin macaw are the same as other large macaws. They require a lot of socialization and handling, so owners need to be prepared 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.
Birds of this size 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 him occupied while confined. The cage needs to be cleaned at least every two months or more often if needed. Water and food should be provided daily, and your bird will be much happier with water to bathe in as well as a mister.
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.
Feeding a Harlequin Macaw
Like any large parrot, a harlequin macaw should be fed a diet that includes a high-quality seed and pellet mix. It’s also important to include daily servings of fresh bird-safe fruits and vegetables.
All parrots tend to be loud, but macaws are the poster-birds for ear-shattering vocalizations. Simply put, if you don’t want your parrot to awaken you early every morning by screaming at the top of its lungs, you should consider something other than a macaw as a pet.