I am adding to this thread since I just learned in an effort to learn a bit more.
Scientific name:
The Ruby Macaw is a first generation hybrid macaw. It is a cross between a Scarlet Macaw Anodorhynchus macao and a Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera.
Distribution:
ThIs is a captive bred hybrid macaw. Hybrid macaws are rarely found in the wild.
Description:
Ruby Macaws are exceedingly striking in coloration, and rank right up there among the most colorful of the Macaws. They are a full size Macaw and can learn to talk with a general vocabulary of about 15 or more words or expressions. A Ruby Macaw needs good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially it matures.
Picture of a Ruby Macaw
Ruby Macaw
Photo © Animal-World:
Courtesy Deborah Pearson
In the mating pair, the male has the dominate gene. Often times the overall coloration of the Ruby Macaw can be very similar to the Green-winged Macaw and they are often mistakenly thought to be a Green-winged Macaw. Coloration varies however, even in babies from the same clutch.
If the male parent is a Green-winged Macaw:
The offspring will generally have the same size body and head as the father. What distinguishes the Ruby from the Green-winged father is the center band of feathers. These feathers can be a mixture of varying amounts of yellows and oranges, and they can be edged with different shades of yellows and oranges.
If the male parent is a Scarlet Macaw:
The offspring will generally have the head and body size of a Scarlet. The amount and coloration of the facial feathers will also generally be more similar to those of the respective father. There is very little facial feathering on the offspring of a Scarlet father.
Size - Weight:
The Ruby Macaw is a full sized macaw, very close to the same size as its parentage. They will reach over 2 pounds. The length of the Scarlet Macaw is up to 85 cm (33.5 inches) and the Green-winged Macaw is up to 90 cm (35.5 inches). A Ruby Macaw will reach a size somewhere in the middle and possibly closer to that of the father.
Care and feeding:
A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. In the wild their parent species eat a variety of palm nuts, fruits, seeds, and possibly vegetable matter from the treetops. Provide them with a good parrot mix that includes formulated foods, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. They will also enjoy fruits and vegetables.
See About Macaws: Housing and About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.
Social Behaviors:
They are a typical macaw. Can be cranky at times and may even be a one person bird or only like men or women unless well socialized with lots or folks. See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw. (Also information on handling and activities)
Breeding/Reproduction:
Because it is a hybrid it is generally not bred.
Sexual differences:
No visible differences.
Potential Problems:
Can be noisy (as can all macaws). See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.
Availability:
This bird is somewhat hard to find and fairly expensive. There are more and more breeders however and they are becoming more common.
Author: Clarice Brough, CAS
