Last Updated on June 12, 2023

The Calico macaw is a hybrid species created by cross-breeding a green-winged macaw with a scarlet macaw. They have a striking appearance with red, blue, green, and yellow feathers. Calico macaws were among the first successful hybridizations and have become famous for pet owners. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, habitat, feeding habits, physical appearance, breeding behavior, taming and training techniques, and vocalizations of calico macaws.

Where Do Calico Macaw Live:

Calico macaws are a hybrid species created in captivity and are not found in the wild. Their parent species, green-winged and scarlet macaws, are inhabitants of Central and South America.

Physical Appearance of Calico Macaw

Calico macaws are medium-sized parrots with a mix of red, blue, green, and yellow feathers. They can grow up to 36 inches long and have a wingspan of up to 48 inches. Males are slightly larger than females and have a broader head and beak.

What Do Calico Macaws Eat?

Most of the macaw species are herbivores. Calico macaws are similar to their parents in their eating habits. They can eat various diets, including fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, vegetables, and high-quality pellets. A balanced nutritional diet is recommended for optimal growth. You can also provide occasional treats to them. Diets rich in oil and high sugar content put these parrots at higher risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. So avoid feeding them rich oily, and sugary diets.

Breeding of Calico Macaw

Breeding of calico macaws is challenging and needs a lot of expertise. Before breeding, it’s essential to ensure that both parents are genetically healthy and compatible for breeding. For the breeding process, both males and females are introduced in a cage and allowed to mate. After mating, eggs are laid and incubated for 28 days until they hatch. The chicks are then hand-fed until they are weaned at around 12 weeks old.

Taming and Training of Calico Macaws:

Calico macaws are trainable with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. The training process must begin at an early age so that they can become accustomed to human interaction.

Some standard training techniques like target training and recall training can help the birds learn. Socialization and enrichment activities are essential for bird training and mental stimulation. Calico macaws have joint issues like biting, screaming, and feather plucking, which can be addressed by positive training.

Sounds and Vocalization of Calico Macaw

Calico macaws are intelligent birds. They are capable of exhibiting different sounds and vocalizations. They can mimic human speech, sounds, words, and phrases. Their vocalizations include squawking, screeching, and mimicking surrounding sounds. They use these vocalizations to communicate with other birds and human caretakers. It is essential to understand the meaning behind their vocalizations as they can indicate different emotions, such as excitement, fear, or aggression. By understanding their vocalizations, caretakers can better communicate with their birds and address any issues that may arise.

Calico Macaw Personality

The calico macaw is a friendly, outgoing bird that loves interacting with humans and other birds. Calico macaws are intelligent, learn tricks, and mimic human speech easily, but they can be loud and need the training to control their vocalizations. They are affectionate and playful with their owners.

Calico Macaw Behavior

Calico Macaws are social birds that live in flocks of up to 30 individuals. They are known for their loud vocalizations, which they use to communicate with each other over long distances. These macaws are lively birds and love to spend a lot of time with their owners and love human interactions. They require a lot of mental stimulation while in captivity. They need plenty of toys, big cage to fly and proper attention.

Calico Macaw Life Span

The average life span of a calico macaw is around 50 years. However, they can live up to 60 years or more with proper care and nutrition. Providing the calico macaw with a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and a high-quality pellet mix is essential for optimal growth.

Calico Macaw Diseases

Like all macaws, calico macaws are susceptible to specific health issues. Common health issues that affect calico macaws include respiratory infections, feather plucking, and psittacosis.

Calico Macaw Conservation Status

The calico macaw is not currently listed as an endangered species. However, their habitat is being destroyed at an alarming rate due to deforestation and other human activities. Threats to their survival include habitat loss, hunting for the pet trade, and climate change.

Price of Calico Macaw

The average cost of purchasing a calico macaw is around $3,000 to $5,000. However, prices vary depending on age, sex, temperament, and hand-taming.

Where to Buy Calico Macaw:

Finding a reputable breeder or seller is essential when looking for a calico macaw. Look for breeders that have experience with hybrid birds. You can also consider adopting a calico macaw from a rescue organization.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the calico macaw is a beautiful and intelligent bird. They are great pets for those willing to provide proper attention and care to them. They need plenty of mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization to thrive in captivity. It is essential to provide them with a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. By doing so, you can help ensure that your calico macaw lives a long and healthy life.