The Catalina Macaw

Facts

The Catalina Macaw is a first generation hybrid macaw. It is a cross between a Blue and Gold Macaw Ara ararauna and a Scarlet Macaw Ara macao.

Catalina Macaws are 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.

Because the availabilities of female Blue and Gold Macaws rather than female Scarlet Macaws, the mother is often a Blue and Gold with the father being the Scarlet. With the father's dominant gene, the Catalina usually has yellowish to orangish red on the chest and some on the back. The top of the head and wings has some green moving down into blue greens. They are similar in appearance to Harlequin Macaws, but with the long tapering tail of the Scarlet.

The Catalina Macaw has two very popular types of macaws as its parents. The Scarlet Macaw, one of the most highly favored, is described as "beautiful and striking". The Scarlet has been the best known South American parrot for over 100 years. The other parent, the Blue and Gold Macaw, has been has been one of the most popular pet birds in the trade, renowned not only for its beauty but for its gentle, amiable nature.

Hybrid macaws are bred for color. The Catalina Macaws are a first generation hybrid macaw, though today there are second generation Catalina Macaws whose parents are both Catalinas. Because they are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. The Catalina inherits its gorgeous coloring from these two striking parents.

The behavior and temperament of hybrid macaws are more unpredictable and uncertain than the coloration. The personality of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. The Catalina can have these characteristics, but it can also have the gentle nature and the speaking ability of the Blue and Gold Macaw mixed in. It can be a very affectionate, inquisitive, and fun pet that is beautiful.

Calico Macaws are a very colorful hybrid. Both parents of the Calico Macaw contribute to the striking colors of their offspring, though the father's have the dominant gene and this will influence their final appearance. Most often the father is a Green-winged (male Green-winged macaws are more common than females). Some of the characteristics when sired by a Green-winged macaw will be a large bird, with the head and beak shape more typical of the Green-winged. These macaws have a green back with a bronze cast similar to the Military Macaw, but will have a deep red chest and belly.

Care and Feeding

Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, pears, grapes, broccoli, and carrots. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually. Fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily; discard when not eaten within 24 hours; Macaws appreciate quality and variety in their food.

Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage that is at least 36" W x 28" D, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1" apart, makes a good home for your parrot; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended.

A variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.