Frida,
Harlequin Macaw

 "Frida has her own tropical haven!"

"Frida, our Harlequin Macaw pictured above, is now 1 1/2 yrs old (at the time of this writing 8/2004). She (well, now discovered due to genetic testing as a 'he') is maturing and has become a big part of our life. She (my wife and I battle how to address she/he) is a clown always wanting to be the center of attention. When we're home and she is alone on her gym, she'll at times venture off going room to room until she finds one of us ... entering and saying "HELLO!". Her vocabulary is growing. She rarely refuses any vegetables or fruits/nuts and easily adapted to pellets. We intentionally avoided seed based nutrition other than an occasional reward treat. Although a bit nippy during playing, she understands the word "GENTLE!" (taught as she was being weaned) and backs off the beak pressure. Rarely has she intentionally bit as a means of anger or fright. When I'm not at home, Frida attaches herself tomy wife, however when I come home ... watch out, as she totally only wants my attention for play and companionship. We give her plenty of toys (destructive, non-destructive and puzzle type). Frida always has wood to chew on and (knock on wood!) has been respectful of our home furniture, etc. with no causalities or damage.... so far."

Dr. Jungle says, "Feelin fine and lookin great!"

 "Baby Frida's first days at her new home!"

Dr. Jungle says, "Frida caused quite a 'stir' in her new family!"

"Frida's been here a week now. We had our doubts the first few days, but she is already now becoming very friendly and starting to speak. No question she'll be a great talker as she gets matures. Extremely active and easily destroys her toys. This morning she was break dancing. Spinning herself around while upside down (well, with a little help from me)."

Dr. Jungle says, "Frida, you are one special friend!"

To see an example of a Harlequin Macaw (whose father is a Blue and Gold!),
and to learn more about these hybrid Macaws,
visit our Harlequin Macaw page!

A little about Frida and her background:

Mother: Blue & Gold
Father: Greenwing

Born: 2/25/03
Weaned: 9/2003
Home: 9/17/2003

All babies from this breeding pair have been hand fed.
Harlequins, as with most other macaw hybrids, are only breed in captivity. In nature, macaws only pair up with their own species (i.e. Greenwing to Greenwing, B&G to B&G, Scarlet to Scarlet, etc.).

Frida is still being weaned (born 2/25/03) and will be released to us (the owners) in July or August (approx 6 mo. weaning required). We visit her weekly as she is being feed and entertained at a local Bird specialty store.
She is totally attached at this time by the woman weaning her ("the human Mother"). She has been friendly with other staff, including men. She has now learned the 'Step Up' command and should start talking soon.

Family History:
This is the 3rd harlequin they have sold from the same mating pair. The former birds sold have bonded very well to the new buyers within a few weeks of leaving the store and being at the new owners home. From what I've been told (very reliable source as I've purchased from this specific store the past 20+ yrs), the Harlequin typically takes on the natural docile side of the Greenwing and the natural clownish personality (the word harlequin is defined as 'clown') of the B&G. Fully grown they are in the 32"-34" range and approx. 2 lbs (you can search other web sites to confirm that). They are typically good talkers as are their parents. If handled with more people & both sexes when young, they will tend to be friendly to others rather than one person or one gender. However every macaw, as do people, have there own personality.

In the mating pair, the Male has the dominate gene. Although Frida's breast color is orange, it's a bit more reddish-orange in color than Harlequins having the B&G as the father.

Frida is an awesome girl! She couldn't have a better home. Thank you for sharing her with us!

  Updated 8/28/2004

Name :     Frida
Type:        Harlequin Macaw
Cuteness: 11+ (Welcome to the "cutest pets in the world" club.)

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