Harlequin vs. Greenwing Macaw

[PenClem]

I have an opportunity to acquire an adult Harlequin Macaw. I am captivated by his coloring, but due to his hybridization, I wonder about temperament and characteristics...

Here's what I mean: with purebred dogs, for example, breed characteristics are pretty much "standard" across the board, and you basically know what to expect of a dog if it has been bred true to breed standard. Now, there are exceptions to this, of course. Poorly bred dogs, for example, will not be "true" to standard, but that's neither here nor there for the purposes of this post.

What I need to know is if a Harlequin Macaw has any typical characterizations that I can pretty much count on in terms of personality and temperament.

OR...

Do I go with my original desire of getting a Greenwing Macaw at a later date? With a GW, I know to expect certain things, even if I were to acquire an adult.

If any of you have hybrids, please share! If you have a Harlequin, I'd love to hear details of his/her temp, quirks, and personalities.

 

[chris-md]

The hybrids do often take on a mix of temperamental characteristics of the parents.

Honestly, the differences between a GW and a harlequin aren’t worth discussing. A harelequin is part GW, meaning that any personality/temperament quirks are going to me more down to the individual than the species.

So I’d recommend to you: species wise, it’s six of one half dozen of the other. All the same. Spend time with both and see if one chooses you more than the other.

 

[Flynhigh]

I agree with Chris's observation , Its down to the individual and putting in the time.

 

[PenClem]

Valid points. Thank you for taking the time to make them. As always, any input is appreciated.

 

[Kalel]

Yes, what Chris said! Honestly, I have seen many birds of the same species be worlds apart with respect to personality. I think whether you go with a Harlequin or a greenwing, there are no guarantees that either will fit your expected personality type. Keep in mind that birds often have a honeymoon phase where they are sort of feeling out boundaries, etc. so personality can change even when you bring them home. For this reason, the more time you spend with them prior to adopting, the better. The advantage of the Harlequin is that since he is an adult already, you don't have to deal with puberty and potential changes in personality that that can bring.

As an aside, personally I love the look of the pure non hybrid species. The naturalness of their look really appeals to me. However, in your case since you are captivated by the look of the Harlequin, I would not let the fact that it's a hybrid make you think any less of it. It may end up having a personality that suits you more than a GW that you may meet in the future. Spend time with it and you will know if this is the one. Hope this helps

 

[PenClem]

Thank you for the feedback, Kal-el! You're so right about birds of the same species being completely different in terms of personality! I have two Lovebird SISTERS who prove that every day! Lol!

The Harlequin is 8 y/o and has a bite history towards other animals. He has not been well-socialized with other species, which is fine with me as I don't intend to let him mingle with my birds or my dogs. However, I am leery of a bird who lashes out or becomes overstimulated by the presence of other animals as he could redirect that anger towards me...and I really hope to avoid being angrily bitten if I can help it!

I think I will pass on him and wait for another bird to come along. I'm in no rush. I was so mesmerized by his coloring and feather condition that he really took my breath away, but that's not enough of a reason to get a bird, as we all know.

 

[ChristaNL]

LOL, everything has been said but stil.. if you guys match...go for it.


Sunny is more likely to give you a chomp because she is playing too hard than from anger (they show intent very well, and you know what to look out for)


That kind of leaves me curious how the bird felt about you
With 8 he is still a youngster, hardly an adult, so additional socialisation should not be too much of a struggle .

 

[PenClem]

Oh, I haven't met him. I was told some of his history by his current owner, and she is at least his third home. Poor guy needs a permanent place to call his own where he won't be bothered by other animals nor kids. My home would be great for those purposes, but I guess I'm a little gun-shy about the bite history and lack of socialization.

 

[ChristaNL]

Grinnnn, somehow I am almost tempted to talk you into this one.
He probably got rehomed because of puberty-issues, so yea... just like that Sunny-birb here will need to learn some manners again - he will not be perfect from day one-, but maybe meet him in person and see what happens?

If there is no chemistry...no harm done and you both move on. But maybe this *is* your bird would you miss out on that opportunity?

 

[PenClem]

It's very tempting. However, he is currently about a 1-2 day drive away from me. She's asking too much for him. And he hasn't had any handling in months. He's in an outdoor flight cage with two other Macaws, I believe. I don't know...

 

[noodles123]

Also, keep in mind that, while certain species do have tendencies, dogs are domesticated and birds are not. Bird behavior is a lot more fluid/owner-dependent (excluding the basics of instinct).

 

[pandaminor]

Can Harlequins breed? I have a Male and Female from different bloodlines and was wondering if they will, they are still bot young right now however. I've been told they are called an F3 but wasn't sure, anyone have any info? Thanks

 

[ChristaNL]

They can, not sure if they like each other enough do want to do so of course


-


the F's are just ways of keeping track of generations:
you usually start with "caught in the wild" parents (..they are not F, because we only count captive bred individuals)
so...
the wildcaught birds/ frogs/ fish/ anything have babies ->

those are F1 (the first offspring in captivity)


if those babies have babies of their own -> thats F2
so every animal that is an F2 has "wild" (born in the wild, now captive) grandparents.


and so forth (their babies are F3) an so forth (F4) and so forth (previous F+1 )


So it this has nothing to do with bloodlines, but everything with "being bred in captivity" (aka not a drain on the natural/wild living population).