Hyacinth x Scarlet Macaw

Being a cross between a Hyacinth Macaw and a Scarlet Macaw gives this interesting macaw a lot of varying influences, both in color and in personality. As you can see in the picture above, this hybrid has the very strong indigo blues of the Hyacinth Macaw, as well as the very strong reds of the Scarlet. Those prominent colors, along with its white eye rings and white skin tones makes it look very patriotic, like a 4th of July bird!

The Hyacinth x Scarlet Macaw is a first generation macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. The Scarlet Macaw, one of the most highly favored macaws, is described as "beautiful and striking". The Scarlet has been the best known South American parrot for over 100 years. The other parent, the Hyacinth Macaw is a majestic looking, and expensive bird that most macaw enthusiast would love to own. It is also the largest of the macaws, and is known as a highly social and extremely gentle pet bird. Hyacinth macaws in the wild are endangered, but they have done well in captivity and are becoming more firmly established today.

Though hybrid macaws are bred for color, they are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, so the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of parents. The father has the dominant gene and that will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. In the case of the Hyacinth x Scarlet Macaw above, it is a toss-up to tell which parent was the father as the powerful colors of both parents are present.

The temperament and behavior of hybrids are areas of uncertainty and are unpredictable. The Hyacinth x Scarlet mix may be even more unpredictable than others hybrids, as its parents have two basic different personalities. Both parents make wonderful pets if well socialized, but the Scarlet tends to have a dominant personality while the Hyacinth tends to be gentle and amiable. A hybrid such as this will require good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training on an ongoing basis.