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The bird species Macaw are native to tropical North and South America.[1] Hybrid Macaws are the product of cross breeding of more than one type of the Macaw species, meaning they are not a pure species of Macaw but a hybrid. They are often characterised and bred for their unique and distinct colouring, and for this reason, are highly sought after and valued in the exotic pet trade. Hybridisation of Macaws occurs both in nature and captivity, being one of the few species that can produce viable, fertile offspring unlike many other hybrids produced from crossing different species resulting in sterile hybrids with factors that limit their success of survival[2](e.g. Liger, mule). Hybrid Macaws also do not hold any scientific names, often labelled by the two Macaw species they are produces by(e.g. Scarlet Macaw x Green winged Macaw)
There is a total of 19 different species of Macaws and of which many can produce up to three generations(potentially more) of Hybrid Macaw species. Generation F1 being the most common, has the widest variety and numbers of hybridised species and are also the most popular and well-known generation. Hybrid Macaws are also often viable in Generation F2 which means they are able to reproduce, unlike Generations F3 and on due to a rising sterile rate. The most popular hybrids include the crossing of the Blue and Gold Macaw, Military Macaw and Scarlet Macaw.
The fact different Macaw species are able to hybridise and produce viable offspring means scientists are able to study and breed them in captivity to better understand hybridisation as a whole and understand their importance in preserving endangered Macaw species. A study performed of the hybridisation between the the last wild Spix's Macaw and an Illiger's Macaw, provides evidence and important information that could potentially help establish endangered wild populations of the Spix Macaw, demonstrating how vital Hybrid Macaws are. [3]
Hybrid macaws in nature[edit]
The hybridisation of Macaws in the wild is less common than those in captivity due to factors such as natural barriers and different mating behaviours, although a few rare cases have been recorded. One example was the natural hybridisation of a Spix and Illiger Macaw recorded in the academic publications, conservation genetics(2001), which demonstrated two different species of Macaws producing viable offspring. Due to the fact the Spix Macaw is now thought to be extinct in the wild, this discovery created a major break through in the preservation of this species and Macaws as a whole as it is understood that the Spix Macaw may now be
Due to increased environmental pressures from human activities such as deforestation and the capturing of wild Macaws for the exotic pet trade, it is likely that the hybridisation of Macaws may increase in numbers in the wild in efforts to conserve their species and reproduce.
Hybrid macaws in captivity[edit]
The hybridisation of Macaws are commonly due to the accidental breeding of two different Macaw species in the same enclosure. Due to the rising interest of Hybrid Macaws in the exotic pet trade, the production of these birds have increased in popularity thus breeding production numbers. This is due to their unique and distinct colouring making them highly sought after by competitive and more exotic bird breeders/traders. [4] They are also bred for their 'pet quality' and personality traits due to the mixing of two different species of birds resulting in a variety of different behaviours and traits. One example includes the Catalina Macaw, which is bred for their intelligence and ability to respond to training, and another being the Harlequin Macaw, bred for their relaxed and calm personalities. Although, behaviour and temperaments can vary from each hybrid due to the fact the offspring of two different Macaw species will often take after one parent, including colouring.
Recently there has repentantly been an over-abundance of female blue-and-yellow macaws in captivity, resulting in them being the most commonly hybridised species of Macaw.
Macaw Hybrid breeding types/generations[5][edit]
1st Generation Macaw- F1[edit]
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First generation hybrid Macaws are the most popular and abundant Macaw Hybrids.
Examples:
- Bluffon's Macaw (Buffgold Macaw)= Blue and Gold Macaw x Buffon's Macaw
- Ruby Macaw= Scarlet Macaw x Green winged Macaw
- Verde Macaw= Scarlet Macaw x Buffon's Macaw
- Calico Macaw= Green-winged Macaw x Military Macaw
- Miligold Macaw= Blue and Gold Macaw x Military Macaw
- Harlequin Macaw= Blue and Gold Macaw x Green-winged Macaw
- Emerald Macaw= Buffon's Macaw x Hyacinth Macaw
- Caloshua Macaw= Blue and Gold Macaw x Hyacinth Macaw
2nd Generation Macaw- F2[edit]
Examples:
- Flame Macaw= Green-winged Macaw x Catalina Macaw
- Harligold Macaw= Blue and Gold Macaw x Harlequin Macaw
- Jubilee Macaw= Green-winged Macaw x Harlequin Macaw
- Rubalina Macaw= Ruby Macaw x Catalina Macaw
- Starlight Macaw= Scarlet Macaw x Miligold Macaw
- Tropicana Macaw= Scarlet Macaw x Harlequin Macaw
3rd Generation Macaw- F3[edit]
Examples:
- Camelina Macaw= Camelot Macaw x Catalina Macaw
- Fiesta Macaw= Camelot Macaw x Harlequin Macaw
- Capri Macaw= Camelot Macaw x Scarlet Macaw
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Pranty, Bill; Feinsstein, Daria; Lee, Karen (2010). "NATURAL HISTORY OF BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAWS (Ara ararauna) IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA": 55–62. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Grant, Peter; Grant, Rosemary (10 April 1992). Science- hybridisation of bird species. Science Mag. pp. 193–197. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
- ^ Miyaki, Christina; Faria, Patricia J.; Griffiths, Richard; Araujo, João C.C.; Barros, Yara M. (2001). "Conservation genetics": 53–55. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Abramsion, Joanna (1 April 1995). The Large Macaws: Their Care, Breeding, and Conservation. Raintree publications. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ McCarthy, Eugene M. (2006). Handbook of Avian Hybrids of the World. New York: Paul B. Hamel. Retrieved 10 May 2019.