Harlequin macaw

[DanP]

I've never seen a harlequin macaw in person; however, many of the pictures i've seen on the web show a scale-like (like a fish) pattern on its chest. DOes it really appear that scaley in person? just curious. Additionally, how would you rate them as pets? Thanks.

[Copper]

That 'scaling' look is the color pattern of the feathers.

[RMSacha]

Originally Posted by DanP

I've never seen a harlequin macaw in person; however, many of the pictures i've seen on the web show a scale-like (like a fish) pattern on its chest. DOes it really appear that scaley in person? just curious. Additionally, how would you rate them as pets? Thanks.

Dan,

They can vary from bird to bird... Harley's are a great hybrid! Nice overall temperment...

[wildirish]

I hadn't thought about it looking like scales LOL!, the feathers are half reddish orange and yellow.

[DanP]

Yours is beautiful! What is his/her personality like? How would you compare him/her with your other birds? thanks.

[wildirish]

That is Calypso, he lives with a friend of mine, he is ornery, and loud LOL! You are only allowed to pet him on his terms, but he loves to ride on your shoulder and go outside. He talks up a blue streak!

If I had to compare hime to my others, I would say that my B&G's and especially my GW are the better pet wise. Roarke (GW) is very affectionate, but also jealous when I am playing with others, Kianna, GypsyRose and Jo (B&G) are all very lovable, and follow us like puppies.

I think with any macaw it really depends on how they are raised as to what thier personalities are. Millies have th rep of being nippy and bratty, yet even though we got Pickle at 7 years old she is a goofball:

[scabz]

Mine looks more like a B&G. It may have to do with the parents. I can't remember which was which on the parents. He don't have a lot of red on him. It looks more orange/yellow.

[Raylene]

This is my harliquin Mac, before having him we did alot of research by talking to breeders the internet and other people as we have 3 young children so wanted to know we were getting a macaw which are known to be quite soft and gentle,
We have had mac over 12 months now and he is better than we imagined very playfull, he loves showing off by swing right round on his perch and laughs while he does it. He also likes getting in bed he lies on his back with his feet in the air and goes to sleep,
He is more my husband but will play with me and my daughter who is 9, he is not to keen onmy other 2 children who are younger he will talk and shout at them, but does not go to them when out of cage.

we have since had a greenwing called topaz which at the moment seems more soft than mac and he/she will sit quite happy and play with all of us including the smaller children who are 7 and 5.

[birdsnreps]

harleys are my fave hybrid personality-wise!! they have the best personality traits cause of the b&g/gw cross, especially if you get one that was raised in a nurturing and loving environment!!