This hybrid was first reported at the Dresden Zoo in 1897, which would make it the very first macaw hybrid bred in captivity. Today, they are extremely common in the pet trade.
The name “harlequin” refers to their two-toned orange and green coloration. Although they are often confused with Catalina macaws (blue and gold x scarlet), harlequins typically have a darker orange chest, solid green back, larger size, and thick cheek stripes.
Like other macaw hybrids, harlequin macaws are able to reproduce without much trouble. However, crossing two harlequins together results in a bird with an abnormally high mortality rate (see “second generation harlequin macaw” for more).
