Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Woody Pet

Bird Profile: Catalina macaw

The Catalina Macaw is a hybrid bird from cross-breeding a scarlet macaw with a blue and gold macaw. It is one of the most popular hybrid macaws. It is a beautiful colorful bird. In Australia, this bird is also known as a Rainbow Macaw. These birds are produced in captivity, therefore it is unlikely that you will find one in the wild.

Their life expectancy is about 50 to 60 years. Since these birds are available, you can easily buy or adopt one. Should you want to adopt one, you can get in touch with an adoption agency and plan to visit and see their birds. In the case that you want to buy one, these birds go for a price range of between $3,000 and $5,000. Before you go for that purchase or adoption, here is all you need to know about the Catalina macaw. 

Catalina macaw size and appearance

The Catalina macaw has a chest that is yellow-orange in color. It has shadings of orange on its back and in the back of its neck, with the color green being on top of their heads. The tail of this bird resembles that of a Scarlet Macaw, in that, it is long and tapered. It has a gray beak and legs.

Sometimes people get confused between Harlequin macaws and Catalina macaws since they look quite similar. The coloration of Catalina macaws may vary or change from generation to generation, but they will all have a splash of color. Since fathers have the dominant gene, Catalina macaws take after the appearance of fathers more. Overall, they take their coloring from both parents. 

The average size of these birds is about 85 to 86 cm. They have a weight of 1040 to 1285 grams. 

Catalina macaw personality

The personality of this bird is a combination of personality traits from both the Scarlet Macaw and the Blue and Gold macaw. The Scarlet Macaw has tendencies that are high-strung, while the Blue and Gold macaw, has a friendly nature. 

The Catalina macaw personality is filled with playfulness and a natural curiosity. These birds are intelligent, and always open and willing to learn something new. The manner in which you handle a Catalina macaw as a baby plays a big role in how these birds develop their personality and social skills. 

Catalina macaw diet

The diet of a Catalina macaw requires variety and nutrition. These birds can feed on several diets. One diet that can be good for its daily routine is a diet that has pellets, with some fruits and chopped vegetables on the side.

You can find other foods that are sources of protein so that the bird does not get bored of eating pellets. Another option that you can have as the diet for this bird is a legume and grain-based diet. This includes a mix of grains and beans that have been well cooked and you may add some brown rice to go with it. 

If you have a Catalina macaw that is overweight, then seeds that are small and high in carbohydrates such as millet seeds could be included in their diet.

These seeds are low in fat and would be a good choice for your macaw since it will have the pleasure of cracking seeds without taking in much fat. For birds that are not overweight, you may include up to 20% of nuts into their feeding routine. Give them the nuts while they are still in the shell as they enjoy cracking them open. Foods that you should not feed your macaw are chocolate, avocados, and meat or poultry that is undercooked. 

Catalina macaw housing

For this bird, a cage that is 40×30×69 inches is ideal. It should have a bar spacing of one and a half inches. The cage needs to be roomy and you can add a parrot perch or playpen to keep it occupied while in the cage. In the playpen, you could add things to play with like bells, wooden toys, climbing ropes, and chains. 

You should allow your Catalina macaw to get out of its cage for some time, preferably a few hours every day so that it can play. It will help the bird stretch its muscles and wings as it flies around. It will also prevent it from getting bored. 

Catalina macaw’s health problems

The health issues that Catalina’s macaw’s faces are similar to those that other macaws are faced. One problem or common illness that these birds face is proventricular dilation disease.

This is also known as wasting disease, and it is an intestinal problem. Another is psittacosis, which is a bacterial infection, also known as parrot fever or chlamydiosis. Other health issues that the bird may face are beak malformations in chicks, allergies, and viral, fungal and bacterial diseases.

Catalina macaws may also face behavioral problems when they feel neglected, when they are bored or when they are not getting the care they need. It may resort to them self-mutilating such as by plucking their feathers. When you see your Catalina pet doing this, make sure you find out where the problem might be and cater to their needs. 

Conclusion

The Catalina macaw is a cross that is charming between the Blue and Gold macaw and the Scarlet macaw. It is a balance of Scarlet’s diva personality and the even-tempered personality of the Blue and Gold macaw. Training for this bird is important. Slacking off will not be in either your best interests or the best interests of the bird.

Time, patience, and experience will be needed especially when you are taking care of a young Catalina macaw. For your macaws’ diet, make sure you change up the diet so that the bird does not get tired of it. These birds can have the ability to speak like that of the Blue and Gold macaw. The have been bred successfully for years, and there are even second-generation Catalinas that are available today. You can therefore easily access one should you want it as a pet.