Hybrid macaws are the product of cross breeding of more than one species of macaw, resulting in a hybrid. They are often characterize and bred for their unique and distinct coloring, and for this reason is highly sought after and value in the pet trade. Macaws are native to tropical North and South America.^[1] Hybridization of macaws occurs both in nature and captivity, being one of the few species that can produce viable, fertile offspring unlike many other hybrids produce from crossing different species resulting in sterile hybrids with factors that limit their success of survival (e.g. the liger and mule). Hybrid macaws do not hold any scientific names, and  often label by the two macaw species they produce from (e.g. scarlet macaw  green winged macaw

Hybrid macaw parrot

 Macaw there are 19 species of macaw, many of which can produce up to three generations (potentially more) of hybrids. Generation F1, being the most common, has the widest variety of hybrids and are the most popular and well known. Hybrid macaws are also often viable in generation F2 which means they are able to reproduce, unlike generation F3 and later due to a rising rate of sterility. The most popular hybrids include crossing with the blue and gold macaw, military macaw or scarlet macaw. Despite belonging to a different genus, hybrids between the hyacinth macaw and Ara species have also been produce.

Hybrid macaws in nature

The hybridization of macaws in the wild is less common than in captivity due to natural barriers and mating behaviors, although a few rare cases have been record. One example was the natural hybridization of a Spix’s and Illiger’s macaw record in Conservation Genetics (2001), which demonstrated two species of macaws producing offspring. This discovery create a major breakthrough in the preservation of this species and macaws as a whole as it is understand that .

Military Macaw Hybrids

Believe to be the second macaw hybrid ever produce in captivity, Shamrock macaws were first report in 1901 in a zoological publication. Now, these birds are very common in the pet trade. Shamrocks have a bright red crown and front a green backside a mixed-color bill thin facial stripes and usually mixe red and light

HYACINTH MACAW X MILITARY MACAW

Milicinth Macaws are rare yet valuable hybrid parrots that are fully forest-green with blue flight feathers and some scatter dark brown crown feathers. Their beak is fully black while their skin is usually off-white. Some individuals may have a few red feathers on their forehead, reminiscent of a Military Macaw’s crown. Although identical in many Although identical in many aspects, Milicinth Macaws are somewhat darker and dryer in color than Emerald Macaws (Great Green x Hyacinth). They are also smaller in size and slightly more common given the number of Military Macaws in captivity.

Green-winged Macaw x Military Macaw (Calico Macaw)

Calico Macaws are somewhat common macaw hybrids with a bright red crown, cheeks, and belly, a green backside and wings, and teal blue flight & tail feathers. Their bill is mixed-color while their facial stripes are thick and usually both red and black. Compared to other Great Green and Military Macaw hybrids, Calicos are somewhat darker and less yellow in color. They typically cost around $4,500 in the US.

Great Green Macaw x Military Macaw (Miliffons Macaw)

Miliffons Macaws are likely somewhat uncommon hybrids that are rarely identify due to how similar Military and Great Green Macaws. However, compare to a pure Military Macaw, they tend to have a larger average size, have a slightly broader bare facial patch, and have eyes somewhere between light yellow and silver in color. The hue of their plumage can also be use to identify these hybrids: The body color of a Great Green Macaw is often describe as brighter and more vibrant than that of a Military Macaw.

Blue-throated Macaw x Military Macaw (Corrientes Macaw)

The first clutch of these rare hybrids was first produce in 2001 at the Corrientes Loro Park in Argentina, being name after their birthplace shortly after. They are visually similar to Miligolds (Blue and Gold x Military), but are slightly smaller in size and more aqua color overall. Their backside is greenish-teal, their flight feathers are blue, their ears are pale yellow, their bill is black, and their belly may range from yellow to red-orange.

Blue and Gold Macaw x Military Macaw (Miligold Macaw)

Miligold Macaws are very common macaw hybrids that are usually an even mix between both parent species. They have a blue-green (tending towards green) head and backside, blue flight feathers, yellow belly, ear, and undertail feathers, and a dark gray or black bill. Most birds also tend to have dark brown or even a few red feathers above their beak – reminiscent of the Military Macaw’s brightly-colored crown.

While this cross is similar to the Buffgold Macaw (Great Green x Blue and Gold), Miligolds are smaller, more widely available, and usually have a less rounded bare facial patch. They typically cost around $4,000 in the US.