Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Ruby Macaw



The Ruby Macaw is a hybrid cross between a Scarlet Macaw and a Green-winged Macaw and is quite attractive. Hybrids are usually bred for color rather than personality, so their characteristics can be uncertain.

This is a first generation hybrid macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. Because the offspring are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, they are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. The Ruby inherits its gorgeous coloring from these two striking parents.

The parents of the Ruby Macaw are two very popular types of birds. The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most highly favored macaws, and often described as both beautiful and striking. It has been the best known South American parrot for over 100 years. The other parent, the Green-winged Macaw, has been has been one of the most popular pet birds in the trade, renowned not only for its beauty but for its gentle, amiable nature.

The personality of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. The Green-wing is a very gentle, affectionate and sensitive macaw. The Ruby can have the characteristics of the Scarlet, but it can also incorporate the gentle nature of the Greenwing. Ruby Macaws can be a very affectionate and playful, good talkers, and fun pets that are very beautiful.

Rubalina Macaw



The Rubalina Macaw is a hybrid cross between a Ruby Macaw (hybrid) and a Catalina Macaw (hybrid). Being a cross between a Ruby and a Catalina gives this interesting macaw a lot of varying factors, both in color and in personality. It is a second generation hybrid and is influenced by the genes of three different species of macaws.

Because hybrid macaws are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. Each Rubalina however, is a unique blend of colors inherited from its parentage. This hybrid macaw was developed from these crossings:

•1st - Scarlet Macaw crossed with a Green-winged Macaw = Ruby Macaw
•1st - Scarlet Macaw crossed with a Blue and Gold Macaw = Catalina Macaw
•2nd - Ruby Macaw crossed with a Catalina Macaw = Rubalina Macaw
Hybrids have been traditionally bred for color. So being able to attribute personality traits to a hybrid are factors that are quite unknown. Though a second generation hybrid macaw, the Rubalina has lots of Scarlet Macaw in its parentage. The Scarlet Macaw, one of the most highly favored macaws and described as "beautiful and striking". It adds intense red coloring and a bit of a fiery personality. However the nature of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures.

Two other species also add their flavor. The Green-winged Macaw, a long time favorite pet bird, lends both its beauty and its good personality . The Blue and Gold Macaw has been one of the most popular pet birds in the trade, renowned not only for its beauty but for its sweet nature and speaking ability. The Rubalina inherits all these birds beautiful coloring and more.

The parentage of the Rubalina Macaw is an interesting mix for a pet bird. This is a hybrid parrot that is very attractive with the intelligence and temperament of it parents. However their behavior and temperament is not absolutely certain. It should be quite trainable, learn to talk and do tricks, and have an amiable nature. But the fiery Scarlet may also introduce a bit of an indomitable spirit. As with all macaws, the Rubalina Macaw will require good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures.

Red-fronted Macaw




The Red-fronted Macaw Ara rubrogenys, also called the Red-cheeked Macaw and Lafresnaye's Macaw, is a lesser known macaw. This pretty little parrot is very friendly and one of the hardiest of the Macaw species. Although it was first described way back in 1847, it didn't really come to the attention of aviculturists until a specimen was caught in 1973. The most likely reason it didn't become common is because it's only found in one place, the small Cochabamba valley in Bolivia.

This is the smallest of the large Macaws. It could almost be classed as a mini Macaw as it only reaches 24" in total length. Mini Macaws can reach up to to about 20 inches (50 cm) in length, and the Red Front Macaw is just shy of that. Besides its small stature, another characteristic it has in common with the mini macaws is that its not as flamboyantly colored as the other large Macaws.

The Red-fronted Macaw is mostly a green parrot, but with some spectacular red accents up front. The forehead, crown, and a patch just behind the eye are a bright red, as well as the bend of the wing. Thus its common names Red-fronted and Red-cheeked Macaw. There are also some bluish hues framing its wings and on the tip of its tail.

As a pet the Red-fronted Macaw is very docile and affectionate, but also quite intelligent and inquisitive. Chewing and climbing are favorite activities as well as exploring its surroundings, and even digging in the dirt. They are known to be quite loud however, especially so when anticipating interaction from you! These birds are very social in nature and make wonderful pets. They also make a great aviary bird as they enjoy the company of a flock.

Military Macaw



Although the Military Macaw Ara militaris isn't quite as brilliant in its mixture of colors as those found on many of the other large Macaws, it's a very impressive parrot in its own right. This is a favorite Macaw to keep as a pet because of its social and affectionate demeanor, and being very intelligent, it is readily trainable. The Military Macaw makes an excellent show bird and is often used as an entertainer and to educate people about birds.

Military Macaws have been recognized and kept in captivity for a very long time. Early writings indicate that they first became well known to Europeans at the time of the invasion of Mexico. That was in the beginning of the 1500's, an impressive 500 years ago! References made during the invasion indicate the bird was quite valuable to the Incas as well. There are additional references to this bird in 1609, and again in 1741.

The Military Macaw is very similar to the Buffon's Macaw, but it is a bit smaller and a brighter green. P. J. Selby, in the early 19th century, referred to this bird as the "Great Green Macaw". He describes the Military Macaw's color as being a "fine and lively green". Today however, the name Great Green Macaw is more commonly associated with the Buffon's Macaw.

There are three recognized subspecies of Military Macaws. All three of these have only slight differences in appearance, they vary primarily in the regions from where they originate. The nominate species Ara m. militaris, is found in Northwest Venezuela, Colombia, Eastern Ecuador and Northern Peru, and is the most commonly available. The other two species are the Bolivian Military Macaw Ara m. boliviana which is found in Bolivia and Northern Argentina, and the Mexican Military Macaw Ara m. mexicana which is from Mexico. These two are quite sparse in captivity. It is said these two comprise only about 5% or so of the Military Macaws found in the pet trade.

A Military Macaw that is given good interaction and attention from its keeper can become quite tame and friendly. Like all Macaws, the Military Macaw is quite inquisitive and intelligent. They are considered to be fair talkers and are excellent at learning tricks. They are a superb choice for a show bird. "Kippit" shown in the picture above is a five month old Military Macaw. He is a juvenile that has been well socialized with lots of people. He is alert and playful, and always enjoys interacting and getting treats.

Miligold Macaw



"Thumper" is a Miligold Macaw with the parents being a Military Macaw and a Blue and Gold Macaw. Hybrid macaws will inherit the personalities of both the parents. In the case of a Miligold Macaw this can make for a sweet, fairly even tempered bird that may even have some talking ability.

The Miligold Macaw is a cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Military Macaw. It is a first generation hybrid macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws.The Blue and Gold Macaw has been has been one of the most popular pet birds in the trade. The Military Macaw is a favorite pet macaw that also has a good temperament. It is very trainable and highly intelligent.

Hybrid macaws are bred for color. Because they are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance.

The temperament and behavior of hybrids are areas of uncertainty and are unpredictable. But having parents are that are both quite docile and affectionate macaws, the Miligold Macaw will be a real beauty and should be a good natured pet bird. All macaws require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets. The Miligold's have the gentle nature and the speaking ability of their parentage and they can be a very affectionate, inquisitive, and fun pets.

Milicinth Macaw



With a mix like this you get a very rich and unusual blue-green! Macaw hybrids have been traditionally bred for color. The Milicinth Macaw is a fabulously colored hybrid cross between a Hyacinth Macaw and a Military Macaw. The offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. However the Milicinth's gorgeous coloring is blended from both of these striking parents.

The Milicinth Macaw is a first generation macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. Being a cross between a Hyacinth Macaw and a Military Macaw gives it some very desirable traits. The Hyacinth Macaw is sweet, affectionate and extremely gentle. Hyacinth's are not inclined to make a great deal of noise and have a very even temperament. The Military Macaw is a favorite pet macaw that also has a good temperament. It is very trainable and highly intelligent.

The behavior and temperament of hybrid macaws are more unpredictable and uncertain than the coloration. A Milicinth Macaw can often have the gentle shy nature and sweet temperament of the Hyacinth Macaw. They can be extremely loving and huggable, enjoying contact and interaction with one or more people, as well as other birds. Attributes they can inherit from the Military Macaw side are cleverness and being quick to learn tricks. With both these traits you can have a very smart and loving pet.

Milicinth Macaws are an inquisitive and outgoing bird when well established and comfortable in their home and surroundings. But they can also be very territorial in their own space, such as their cage or aviary, As with all macaws, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets.

Maui Sunset Macaw



Being a hybrid cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Red-fronted Macaw, the Maui Sunset macaw will have unique influences both in color and in personality. Hybrids have been traditionally bred for color. So being able to attribute personality traits to a hybrid are factors that are quite unknown. The playful Blue and Gold however, is one of the better talkers of the macaws. The smaller Red-fronted Macaw is quite docile and affectionate, but is also known to be quite loud.

The Maui Sunset Macaw is a first generation macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. Because they are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance.

Though the temperament and behavior of hybrids are areas of uncertainty, having parents are that are both quite docile and affectionate macaws, the Maui Sunset Macaw should be a good natured pet bird. They will inherit the gentle nature and the speaking ability of their parentage and can be a very affectionate, inquisitive, and fun pet. All macaws require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets.