Psittaciformes - Ara

Harlequin Macaw = Blue & Gold Macaw × Green Wing Macaw

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).

Distribution: ThIs is a captive bred hybrid macaw. Hybrid macaws are rarely found in the wild.

Description: 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. Due to their similarities, it can be difficult to tell a Harlequin and a Catalina apart. Both share the Blue & Gold Macaw as one of their parents, with the other parent being the predominately red Scarlet Macaw, or Green Wing Macaw.

Size - Weight: A full sized macaw, they can get over 2 lbs. Lengths up to 86 cm (34 inches).

Social Behaviors: 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. The word 'harlequin' is defined as 'clown', and these playful birds can truly live up to that reputation. Though the temperament and behavior of hybrids is uncertain, the Harlequin Macaw typically takes on the natural docile side of the Green-winged Macaw. But it also takes the natural clownish personality of the Blue and Gold Macaw.

It is not recommended to breed two harlequins together. Some breeders have reported fatal genetic issues in hatchlings.