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Harlequin Macaw

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Harlequin MacawPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Lorette van Leuven

     The Harlequin Macaws are some of the most beautiful and well behaved of all the hybrid macaws.

     The Harlequin Macaws are a cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Green-winged Macaw which makes for a very affectionate, energetic, and captivating youngster.   Both parents of the Harlequin Macaw also contribute to the striking colors of their offspring, though the father's have the dominant gene and this will influence their final appearance.

     Harlequin Macaws can all be good "talkers" as are the parents. If handled by more people and by both sexes when young, they will tend to be friendly to others rather than to just one person or one gender. However every macaw, as do people, have their own personality. As with all macaws, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets.

     See hybrid information, breeding combinations, and photos of hybrid macaws on the Hybrid Macaws page.

For information about the care of Macaws see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Macaw

Scientific name:      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.

'Frida' - Harlequin Macaw (with a Green-winged Macaw father) Photo Courtesy S. Geldman

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.

     "Frida", shown on the right, has a Green-winged Macaw father. Harlequin Macaws with a Green-winged Macaw father, have a breast color that is orangish. The breast color is a bit more reddish-orange for Harlequins having the Blue & Gold Macaw as the father. Frida is a very sweet, affectionate bird and a wonderful pet.
     To learn about "Frida's" hand rearing experience along with her first experiences in her new home, visit here: Frida!

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

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. See About Macaws: Housing and About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.

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.     They are a typical macaw. Can be cranky at times and may even be a one person bird or only like men or women unless well socialized. To have a well rounded bird that enjoys more than one person, make sure it is well socialized with lots of folks. See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw. (Also information on handling and activities)

Breeding/Reproduction:      This is a hybrid and it use to be that hybrid macaws were generally not bred, however the breeding of hybrids is becoming more common. See About Macaws: Macaw Breeding, Bird Reproduction - Baby Macaws for information on breeding macaws.

Sexual differences:     No visible differences in the sexes.

Potential Problems:      Can be noisy (as can all macaws). See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:      The Harlequin Macaw is a popular hybrid that has been successfully bred for a number of years. It is a first generation hybrid macaw, and finding these beautiful macaws for sale is easier than some of the less commonly bred hybrids..

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We have a male Harlequin macaw who is the most intelligent of all our parrots. We also have an african grey, blue fronted amazon, and two sun conures, but he runs rings around the other parrots in his ability to talk and communicate. He knows bad from good, yes and no and can say absolutely anything! He is a non stop talker and once when I wouldn't let the dog out because she had been out 3 times in a row, he did her bark and then said, "Want to go out?" and then laughed - this after I had just told the dog no to going out again! The other parrots can't get a word in edgewise. Everyone loves him and he will let just about anyone pick him up. I had no idea I would EVER have a macaw, but so glad we got him. Marie Powell 2009-02-25
I just bought a Baby Macaw thats Harlequin and Red Scarlet. My baby's name is Ten-Ten. Ten-Ten loves attention and everybody around. Too cute! I wish everyone could see her. I Love Macaw's, they make awesome life Companions. Heather F 2007-10-22
It's now almost 19 months since I brought Maxie my Harlequin Macaw home with me. I love her so much. She's come a long way, I've taught her three tricks and she really talks her head off. Not just mimicking, she actually answers you and speaks appropriatly. I'll look at her loveingly and she says, "What?" Then I'll tell her. "I just love looking at you." To that she'll reply,"OH." My Maxie perches on my forearm and tells me, "I LOVE YOU". I wish that I could show her photo. Dina Richter 2007-08-26
5 days ago I bought my first parrot, a Harlequin Macaw. She is so gorgeous and smart. She tells one of my dogs who won't stop barking to "SHUT UP". The Only trouble with Maxie is....She won't let me near her or her feed dishes. She got one good bite on my fore arm. Dina 2006-11-03
I have a Harlequin and he is 2 years old July 2006. I Bought him when he was 8 weeks old. I've hand raised him! He is very intelligent and has an excellent vocabulary. Excellent talker! When he want's me he yells MAMAAAAA! He knows what he is saying and he knows when he is good and bad. He laughs really loud when he does something bad. My Blue and Gold Macaw will laugh really loud when she sees that he's in trouble. NEVER a dull moment in our house! These are great birds as pets, but stores that sale them don't tell you the health problems that come because they are crossbred. Really excellent pets stores will not sell any crossbreed birds as they know the problems that can arise! My Harlequin Macaw is one of many with health problems and it's not a pretty site when he is sick or has a serious allergy reaction to his foods. The Vet bills can become very costly. Please be educated on these birds, know what you are dealing with. These guys live 80 plus years. I hope the rest of you have very healthy Harlequins. unknown 2006-07-01
Some of the coolest comments:
I recently got a 'rehomed' Harlequin named Bailey, after he was given up due to the economic situation. Seems this is happening more and more, sadly. I was lucky to be there at the right time as a local rescue did not have room for him and I was willing to give him the large cage and other amenities he needs to live happily. I've had him 3 months now, and it's been very interesting and fun to get to know him. I also have a rescued African Grey who has had a very difficult time adjusting, he was in the rescue for several years after being given up. Bailey has done wonders for the African grey who now vies for the attention he sees Bailey getting. They talk back and forth when I am not in the room and seem to enjoy one another. My personal approach to a relinquished bird is to feed them, spritz them, take the cage outside and let them get some sun and air, speak to them, whistle, sing and generally pass the time with them but not to touch them or otherwise put my hands in their face except to give them treats until they start coming to me. Once Bailey was settled in and not relieving his stress by crushing up a large multi level wooden block toy every week, he started coming out of his cage to see me little by little. He WILL NOT step up. Nothing I do will get him to step up so far, but he is to the point he puts one foot gingerly on my arm. Little by little, he is hanging upside down when I open the cage and grooming my sleeve feathers, he rubs his beak on my arm and will let me scritch him till he closes his eyes in ecstasy. Today, he showed me his wings one at a time by stretching a foot back and extending the wing over it. Then he dunked his head in his water dish over and over and shook water all over the place when I said I had to go to work. He says "Hi Bawee" and tells my dogs to shut up when they bark, and tries very hard to mimic me when I speak to him, he mouths and sounds out what he hears all the time. He dances when he hears music he likes (Margaritaville is a fave) but he can be evil if not babied a bit before the actual approach. I find if I talk to him sweetly for a few minutes, he comes running out and is in the mood to be companionable. If I rush it, his eyes pinpoint like crazy and he can be a little pisspot, at which point I generally leave him alone for a while and then try again. He has called me MOM! or screamed several times when I've walked away from him. I was dismayed to read on another site that a Harlequin or any hybrid should not bred and that the site owner would not buy one or otherwise own one. I can't imagine this combination hasn't occurred in the wild a time or two naturally! Strange things do happen in the wild. I honestly think this guy is full of it, and dead wrong. And once they are here, they deserve to be well cared for and enjoyed.So far, from my experience I think a Harlequin is a wonderful, smart and enjoyable pet - but does require the same kind of time, care and patience one would give to a toddler. The same kind of safety, feeding, medical and long term housing considerations have to be made in a home to allow one of these magnificent pets to live happily in confinement. I have a very large room on the upper level of my house that would allow Bawee to fly should he want to - so far when he has been up there it's been enough to look at the view, he has not tried to fly - altho I did think he was bouncing around and looking at the curtain rods like he was thinking of going up there and I was willing to allow it just to see him do it. But as I said, this is a new relationship, altho I hope a very very long one. I am lucky to have had large bird experience babysitting a neighbor's blue and gold macaw over the years, and have wanted a macaw for a LONG time. By getting involved with a rescue and by being willing to deal with some behavioral issues, I have been very very fortunate to now have my sweet Bawee buddy. And I may have listened to too many popular songs, but with pets I have found in dogs, cats and now birds that a lot of love and compassion - tempered with some facts about the animal's needs - is about all it really takes to mend their trust and build a life together. Katie 2009-10-04
Why a bird? I have heard that question more than once and by different people. After my last cat died I was upset over it. I get that way after all my companion friends die. I have had several in my life and I really hate when I loose them. After a year or so, my wife and I talked about getting something. She wanted a dog, I would of liked another cat. I spent some time on a farm and cats where all over keeping the rodents in check. My dad always had dogs and I have nothing against them, just wasn’t what I wanted to commit myself too. After seeing macaws in Hawaii we were attracted to them. My wife always liked to go over when they were on display in the hotels and try and get them to say something. I always liked those bright colors and just the size of them fascinated me. Also the ability to talk always caught my interest. I spent some time on the internet learning about them. Found out they are highly intelligent and make great companions if you are able to commit yourself to a long term companionship since these guys live 50-75 years or more. They are also demanding of your time. If you can deal with the consolations you will have to make then these parrots are a good choice. Of course I didn’t just wake up one morning and say to my wife “lets go get a macaw”. We actually went to look at kittens, but the vet was closed after noon on Saturdays. What worked in my favor was that there is a place about 20 minutes from me called “Bird Paradise”. This place is awesome. The people that run this place really do love the birds and it shows in how they do business. We went in just to look and were amazed at how many exotic birds they had in house. After spending quite awhile looking I found a blue and gold macaw that really seemed to like me. Unfortunately he was sold. In-fact all of the macaws were sold. It seems the breeding season is in the spring. I was a little beside myself in hearing this but was told that there was a baby harlequin that was still to young to be put in with the others. They asked me if I wanted to see her and of course I said yes. They brought out a little baby with feathers only on her head and on the top of her winds, nowheres else. She was brought out in a little basket. She was so cute, trying to flap her wings and squawking, mainly because she was scared. I really didn’t know how to hold her or anything but just leaving her in the basket and rubbing her head she calmed down and slowly fell asleep. She was so cool. I really can’t explain it, she just was. My wife felt the same way but also liked to go and visit all the bigger birds on display. After a while the staff came over and talked to us about her. Showed us the vet papers giving her a clean bill of health and the vaccination records. Also showed the DNA records stating she was a female. I can’t say how long we were there but eventually we left without making a decision on getting her or not. She was not cheap. The staff told us that we should go think about it and if we wanted her to just call them with a credit card number and that we needed only put down 500 dollars. I wanted her but my wife wasn’t sure. After leaving we went out to eat and decided to get her. After getting home I called and gave them a credit card number. I’m glad I did that. Macaws don’t last long there without being sold. After acquiring her we had to give her a name. Now since she will out live us, I didn’t want to give her just a name with no real thought behind it, so we went through a website that had what seems like thousands of names. Finally we agreed on Jasmine. After 5 months of calling her this, I still think it was a good choice. Well I wrote the above sections in mid January, 2007. I saved it and never went back to it till I just came upon it today Sept. 4, 07. My wife and I have had Jasmine a while spending time and taking care of her. We brought her home February 15, 07. She had a little problem the first few days getting used to her new home. First I didn’t get her a cage that was as big as required. Close but not big enough. I ended up buying her a cage that is 3 ft by 4 ft by 7 ft high. I used the old cage outside on our patio and when we go out and spend time there, Jasmine either goes in the cage or we let her climb on the top. Her wings are clipped so she really can’t fly far and she knows it so she doesn’t try much. When we brought her home we have her cage in the living room where we spend most of our time. I was told she needs to be within sight of her flock and really needs to be close to us whenever she can. So the cage went in the living room. Unfortunately she didn’t get very much sleep. Always being to nosey to sleep. I read that parrots need a good nights sleep or they get behavior problems. We felt it would be better if she slept upstairs in the spare bedroom. So another third cage was bought. Something that was big enough for her to just sleep in, yet small enough to fit through normal doorways without taking the cage apart if we had company sleep over. This worked well. She is afraid of the dark, according to my wife. The jury is still out for me though. Jasmine also didn’t eat enough and weight gain is something that every parrot needs. Ours of course had issues with eating. She just didn’t want to eat most things we fed her. We fed her all kinds of food from the bird store plus we cooked her food. We tried all kinds of vegetables. She started to learn that this stuff was food and started to eat it. Parrots will eat meat and our girl just loves chicken. She loves to remove the meat from a bone and then crack the bone open and dig out the marrow. She also loves corn on the cob. She gets finicky from time to time when it comes to what vegetables she will eat on any given day. Somedays she likes peas, some days she doesn’t. This is the way she is on a lot of foods. Parrots like to eat with their flock so I built her a T stand with food and water bowls built into it. We feed her on that at dinner time and roll it into the dining room so she can eat with us. She looks forward to that. In the morning my wife gives her all the nuts and dried fruits that we buy at the bird store and a separate bowl full of fresh vegetables and fruits that we buy at the grocery store. Of course she gets a fresh bowl full of water. For some reason she won’t touch water if its “old”. She eats in her cage in the morning since both of us work. Of course we spoil her and have all kinds of toys for her to play with. She loves to destroy her wooden toys. Parrots love to chew and she is no exception. She loves to chew on everything. That is one reason you can’t let them just roam around unsupervised. She has no problem chewing on a electrical cord or a very expensive dining room set. Or anything that catches her eye. And very little is missed. She notices most everything and wants to investigate. That usually means chewing. She has been known to pull my wife's diamonds out of her ear and snap off buttons on her blouse in one quick swoop. Its something that I’m sure all parrot owners go though on a daily basis. We bought her a leash to go around her so we can walk her around the neighborhood on nice days. She really likes that. She used to really fight us on putting on the leash. She would bite and run and move her head back and fourth so you couldn’t get this thing over her head. But as time went on and she learned that we were going for a walk she really doesn’t fight that much. Usually just moving her head a little to make you work for it. The neighborhood folks see us and probably think we are weird walking around with a bird on our arms or shoulders but birds like to walk around and see new things just like dogs. Jasmine is just a few weeks over a year old and she still only says “hello”. She only says it when she feels like it but when she starts she will say it for some time. She doesn’t use it in context yet but today when I walked in the door, she said hello. So of course I had to give her a head rub for that. She loves her head rubs. She can’t get enough of them. It’s weird but she can sit on your lap or stomach and she will start scratching her head to try and tell you that is what she wants. Then all you do is start preening her. You can rub her head just right and she will start to fall asleep. I call her a cuddle whore. She loves to cuddle. I don’t know if that is normal for a macaw but they tell me its what cockatoos do. So I guess I have a cockatoo in a macaw’s body. You can usually tell when Jasmine wants to go to bed. She starts looking up at her bedroom and if you put her on the floor will usually make a bee line for the steps. She can climb those steps very quickly. It is funny to watch her run up those steps. Now mind you she can’t get down them but up she can go up. My wife usually feeds her cedar nuts in a bowl up in the bedroom. I wish Jasmine would do that while she is down here messing around on her java tree or while she is either in or on her cage. I worry a little about this because when we take her back to the bird place to board her while we are on vacation, she will not get that specialized attention and possibly loss some weight. All in all raising a macaw is like raising a kid. She wants to get into everything and you can’t turn you back on them for long. When she gets something in her head, she will not be denied. A little to head strong for me but I might as well get used to it and try to break her of that as time goes on. One more thing about her is that she likes to take showers. Not in our bathroom like some parrots do but outside from a hose with a mister spray nozzle. She will sit there and flap her wings while she squawks and gets soaked. It will take her all day to dry completely but she likes it. Since she is in the middle of a molt, maybe the water helps somehow. I wonder what the next six months will bring and what new discoveries both Jasmine and us will encounter. Bob Young 2007-11-16
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
Hi all, my 10 year old beautiful baby is Java. I got him at 2-weeks old. I fell in love. He is just like a big dog in temperament, but I am really his only love and he is kind to others but prefers mum. He shares the big bird room with his "brother" albert, the african grey. They like one another and they really do act like 2 siblings, 2 kids. I enjoyed the info on the harlequins and now I know who his dad was, the greenwing. roberta 2009-03-10
I so love Macaws in general, so maybe I will now look for a Harlequin. The are the most beautiful I have ever seen. I love the blue and gold's personality.. This site has made be want to get a Harlequin, over the blue and gold. Georgette M Motyka 2005-09-16
We just got a Harlequin Maca and he is about 7 weeks old. The pet shop owner burnt his crop and we got him because the pet shop owner could not afford to take him to the vet. So we took him and had surgery don and he is doing great. He is a very sweet baby. Can't wait until he starts to talk. Enjoy your website greatly! Thanks, Caroline CAROLINE lITCHFIELD 2005-07-25

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