Tropicana Macaw (Everything You Need to Know)

Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Ali Shahid

Macaws are well known for their hybrid species. As we discussed in the previous article, there are numerous hybrid macaws. There are three generations of hybrid macaws: F1, F2, and F3. In this article, we will discuss the rainbow-colored tropicana macaw of the second generation.

The Tropicana macaw is a cross between the Harlequin Macaw (Blue and Gold Macaw and Green-Winged Macaw) and the Scarlet Macaw. If you own a Harlequin Macaw, you will have a bird that is a real beauty and a good-natured bird.

Blue and Gold Macaws are not only known for their beauty and sweet nature but also for their capacity to speak. Meanwhile, the other parent, the strikingly handsome Green-winged Macaw, contributes his beauty and amiability.

Harlequins have many wonderful characteristics that make them excellent parents for Tropicana Macaws. Adding the fiery Scarlet Macaw to the vibrant Harlequin Macaw offers an even stronger red hue.

The scarlet macaw is highly regarded for its beauty and is one of the most popular macaws. Over the past 100 years, this parrot has been known as the best-known South American parrot.

A Tropicana Macaw inherits the beautiful colors as well as the personality of its parent macaws. The main reason hybrid birds are produced is for their beauty. A Tropicana macaw fulfills this need.

The Tropicana macaw has one of the most unique colors among macaws. For more information about Tropicana macaws, please continue reading.

Tropicana Macaw Overview Table

Origin and History of Tropicana Macaw

It is very rare to encounter tropicana macaws in the wild, as they are only bred in captivity. The bird is referred to as a second-generation hybrid as it is a mixture of two species of macaw, one of which is a true species and the other which is a hybrid species.

This results in a bird with the characteristics and coloring of both parents. Hybrid macaws are produced by breeders who specialize in producing these birds. It is solely intended to meet the needs of owners of pet birds.

In this regard, it is unknown exactly how hybrid macaws, including Tropicana macaws, came into being and what their history is.

Appearance

Tropicana Macaws are a hybrid macaw species with attractive coloration. Although both parents contribute to the final appearance of the Tropicana Macaw, it is the father who possesses the dominant gene.

 The macaw in question is a hybrid of the second generation. Harlequins (Blue and Gold Macaws & Green-winged Macaws) are one parent and Scarlets are the other. They come in a variety of colors and sometimes siblings have different color combinations.

Typically, they are predominantly red on the head and body, but they also have etchings that are green and blue. Yellows, pinks, and purples can even be seen on the wings and tail of these macaws.

In general, they are more temperate than Scarlet Macaws or Catalina Macaws, but not as much as Greenwings. It is typically smaller than a greenwing. Full-sized tropicana macaws can weigh more than two pounds. You can get them in lengths up to 90 cm (35.5 inches).

Temperament

A Tropicana Macaw is typically characterized by his sweet, friendly nature, as well as his high intelligence and curiosity. Despite the Scarlet influence, these birds can be very good-natured pet birds. These birds are typical macaws.

Unless you’re well-socialized, the bird may be cranky or even act like it’s all for you alone. Make sure that you have well socialized your bird with a variety of people so that he will enjoy more than one person when he gets older.

Breeding

Since it is a hybrid bird you have to follow the breeding pattern mentioned below.

• Blue and Glod Macaw X Green-Winged Macaw= Harlequin Macaw
• Harlequin Macaw X Scarlet Macaw= Tropicana Macaw

Caring for the Tropicana Macaw

Tropical macaws require a large cage to thrive and are not suitable for a small cage. Make sure the cage measures at least 2 1/2 feet by 3 feet. If it is not provided with enough time outside of its cage, the bird may develop behavioral problems.

This species will engage in feather plucking and other forms of self-mutilation. You should give them big swings and toys so they don’t get bored.

Use the fine-mist setting on your handheld shower sprayer to bathe your Tropicana macaw once a week. You should trim your bird’s primary wing feathers if it is prone to flying through windows or doors.

Diet for a Tropicana Macaw

There is a wide variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and vegetation that macaws consume in the wild, including leaf buds. The Tropicana requires a well-balanced and diverse diet at all times.

A seed is very tasty and is preferred over other foods, but in terms of nutritional value, it is similar to feeding a child candy every day. A balanced diet should only include a small portion of seeds, not the entire diet.

A variety of pellets have been developed to provide your birds with all the nutritional requirements they require. As pellets are the ideal diet for birds that eat seeds, it is recommended that you gradually transition tropicana macaws to pellets. 

Birds should consume approximately 75-80% of their diet in the form of pellets. The daily diet should consist of approximately 20 – 25% fruits, vegetables, and greens. It has been reported that avocados may be toxic.

Health Problems of Tropicana Macaws

It is generally believed that macaws are very healthy and hardy birds. Throughout their lives, they remain healthy, active, and playful. If you provide proper care and supervision to your pet bird, then it will live a long and healthy life.

However, they are prone to certain diseases. The same is true for Tropicana macaws. It includes beak and feather diseases, toxicity, aspergillosis, and progressive dilatation of the prostate.

If you observe any abnormality in your macaw, please contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Exercise

The macaw is a large bird, so it requires a lot of space and time to play and exercise. The nature of these birds is to be active. These birds must be able to burn off their energy.

The cage should be left open for at least two hours a day for Tropicana macaws; five hours is ideal. Rotate a variety of chew toys to facilitate the exercise of its powerful jaws and beak.

A rugged toy that can take a beating helps strengthen the jaw muscles as well as provide an outlet for chewing instincts. A play gym or a cargo net for parrots can provide your bird with the opportunity to play and climb while meeting its exercise needs.

From Where You Can Get a Tropicana Macaw

The Tropicana macaw is available at $5500 from Macawparrotshop. When thinking about getting a Tropicana Macaw, there’s some important stuff to think about, like how much it costs and where to get one. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Personality and Behavior: Tropicana Macaws get their traits from their parents, being sweet, smart, and curious. Just know that their behavior might be a bit influenced by the Scarlet Macaw, making them a bit feisty.
2. Looks and Size: Pay attention to how big and what colors your Tropicana Macaw might be. They can be a bit different because of their mixed family.
3. Health and Taking Care: Make sure your bird is healthy, and get a guarantee from the person selling it. Also, think about what kind of food, socializing, and health care your new friend needs.
4. Age Matters: How old your bird is can change the price and care it needs. Young ones might still need hand-feeding, while older ones could be more expensive because they’re good for making baby birds.

Conclusion

Tropicana Macaws, a mix of Harlequin and Scarlet Macaws, have lively colors and are really friendly. They need a lot of time hanging out, mental challenges, and play space. If you’re thinking of getting one, be prepared for a big commitment. It costs between $5500 and $8500, and you need to spend time with them every day. Think about the bird’s personality and if you can give it the companionship it needs before deciding to get one.