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Harlequin x Shamrock MacawFamily: Psittacidae
Latest Reader Comment - See More My aunt has one of these. She was given a Shamrock and a Harlequin, both suposedly females. The Shamrock turned out to be a male and they raised 1 chick. She talk... (more) Shy 2006-09-25
This hybrid macaw, the Harlequin x Shamrock Macaw, is a rarer bird than many of the other hybrid macaws, ...being the offspring of hybrid parents!Being a cross between a Harlequin Macaw (hybrid) and a Shamrock Macaw (hybrid) gives this interesting macaw a lot of varying influences, both in color and in personality. It is influenced by the genes of four different species of macaws. As you can see in the picture above, this hybrid has a unique coloration. Hybrids have been traditionally bred for color. So being able to attribute personality traits to a hybrid are factors that are quite unknown. However with having four different grandparents this bird has a chance to be a pretty fair talker, thanks to the Blue and Gold Macaw. It may also have a very nice temperment thanks to the sweet, gentle nature of the Green-winged Macaw. The amiable personalities of both the Blue and Gold Macaw and the Military Macaw may also shine through. However, if the temperment of the Scarlet Macaw is present it may also be a handful, needing firm and consistent training . Hybrid breeding combinations are given on the Hybrid Macaws page. For information about the care of Macaws see:
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Parents are: hybrid macaws |
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Harlequin Macaw: - hybrid cross between: |
Shamrock Macaw - hybrid - cross between a Military Macaw X Scarlet Macaw |
Description:
Hybrid macaws have been primarily bred for color. One of the challenges with the cross breeding of hybrids has been with the coloring having a tendency to get muddied. This has been found on some third generation and deeper crosses (even on some second generations).
| Both parents of the Harlequin X Shamrock Macaw
contribute to the striking colors of their offspring. Because the father's
have the dominant gene, this will influence their final appearance The father of this macaw is the Harlequin Macaw. The green back with a bronze cast to it is attributed to the Harlequin Macaw. Though the coloring is not "muddied" per se, the bronze on this macaw is becoming even more prominent than on his parent, and it has a bronze collar. There is also a strong red coloring, possibly from a Scarlet grandfather. |
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Care and feeding:
A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out
for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play
pen or parrot perch. They eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, commercial
pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat.
Distribution:
This is a hybrid not found in the wilds.
Size - Weight:
A full sized macaw, they can get over 2 lbs. Lengths up to
86 cm (34 inches).
Social Behaviors:
The Harlequin X Shamrock Macaw may take on the natural docile side
of the Green-winged with some of the natural clownish personality of the Harlequin Macaw (the word harlequin
is defined as 'clown'). But it may also have the more dominant temperment of the Scarlet Macaw.
Macaws are affectionate, inquisitive, and intelligent. They make them a great companion not only for a single person but when well socialized are friendly with everyone, even other birds.
Breeding/Reproduction:
This is a hybrid and it use to be that they were generally not bred, however the breeding of hybrids is becoming more common.
Potential Problems: Can be noisy (as can all macaws).
Availability: These birds are occasionally available and are expensive. There are more and more breeders however and they are becoming more common.
| Latest Comments |
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| My aunt has one of these. She was given a Shamrock and a Harlequin, both suposedly females. The Shamrock turned out to be a male and they raised 1 chick. She talked to the bird's breeder and the breeder told her the Shamrock/Harlequin cross was called a Christmas Macaw, "because they are mostly reds and greens." However, I don't know how acurate that is.
2006-09-25 |
| I like HARDROCK MACAW.....Here's another, a CASIO MACAW or CASSIO MACAW.
2006-09-04 |
| Why not call it a "Sharlequin"????
2006-05-15 |
| a 'quaternary' would be a good name for this hybrid.
2006-03-24 |
| they should name it a HARDROCK macaw
HARlequin x shamROCK
2006-03-22 |
| Some of the coolest comments: |
| I would call the harlequin shamrock hybrid a "Copper Fire" as it has all the colors of a piece of copper heated by a hot flame. Due to the rarity of this bird I doubt there actually is a "common" name as yet. So the breeder of course can call it what they will. 2007-02-11 |
Author: Clarice Brough, CAS