Hybrid Parrots

Different Subspecies

• Parrots belong to the Psittacidae family, and they come in a number of different subspecies. Among them are macaws, cockatiels, cockatoos and budgies. Hybrid parrots are the result of taking two different breeds and having them mate. Not every kind of parrot will mate with another. Others might mate with a different type, but the eggs won't be fertile. Parrots like the macaw are popular for creating hybrids. The different varieties of macaw parrots include the blue and gold macaw, scarlet macaw, hyacinth macaw and Hahn's macaw.

Hybrids and Their Parents

• The issue of creating hybrids is an ongoing debate, but people continue to breed different parrots together. There are several combinations of parrots that are typically paired to create hybrids. For instance, The blue and gold macaw and the scarlet macaw are responsible for parenting the Catalina macaw. The green-winged macaw and the Buffon's macaw are parents of the Buffwing macaw. Another typical hybrid is the shamrock macaw. This is the offspring of the scarlet macaw and the military macaw.

Behavior of Hybrid Parrots

• Hybrids inherit characteristics from the mother and father birds, but the male parent has the dominant gene. Typically, this will determine the hybrid's color and the bird's overall appearance. Hybrids like the Catalina macaw inherit spectacular coloring from both of their colorful parents. But while the scarlet macaw usually requires a firm consistent hand, the blue and gold macaw has a more gentle nature. Their hybrid offspring may end up possessing any of these traits. If you're not familiar with the species of both parents, the offspring's personality and temperament will be unpredictable.

Argument Against Hybrids

• Hybrid parrots are a source of controversy and heated disputes within the bird-loving community. Hybrid owners are proud of the superior beauty and unusual characteristics of their pets. But many bird advocates protest in spite of the amazing colors hybrid parrots inherit. Those against hybrids argue parrots in captivity would never mate with other types of birds in the wild. They argue in favor of natural selection and same-type breeding to maintain genetic lines. Some claim creating hybrid parrots is like breeding cats with dogs.

Argument for Hybrid Parrots

• Supporters of hybrid parrots scoff and argue that, unlike cats and dogs, parrots share the same genus. Genus is a term used in the scientific hierarchy system to classify and group living things. All parrots have the same classification. Hybrid owners also argue that it's not uncommon for parrots to crossbreed in the wild. Photos of parrots taken in their natural habitat show some scarlet macaws with green in their wings. Their coloring doesn't normally include green. The same is true of wild green-winged macaws and the yellow color sometimes found on them.

Issue Unresolved

• Born Free USA provides information on improving the welfare of parrots and other captive birds. They note how federal laws primarily focus on rules related to importing birds into the United States. "Notably absent are laws which establish humane care standards applicable to bird breeders or dealers," according to the organization. There are only 11 states that even require licenses related to owning parrots and exotic birds. Included in a state law for pet shop owners is a long list of parrots that "...may not be sold or possessed in New Jersey."