The Catalina macaw is a rainbow-colored hybrid macaw that is desired for the traits it shares with its parents—two of the most popular macaw species, which are the blue and golden macaw and the scarlet macaw. Its flashy colors make it highly attractive for prospective parrot owners. However, it is often its comical personality, intelligence, and the ability to respond to training that seals the deal.
Temperament
Owners of hybrid macaws get the best of both worlds from their parent species. Scarlet macaws are known to be curious, feisty, and extremely active. In contrast, blue and gold macaws have a reputation for being more laid-back and gentle; they’re also great talkers. Those with Catalina macaws describe their birds as being a perfect mix between the two.
Every bird—no matter the species—will have a unique personality that will reflect its upbringing. Catalinas can be cranky with very demanding social needs or extremely affectionate and charming with fun times ahead for its adopted family. Some Catalina macaws will become one-person birds. They may even prefer men or women exclusively, shunning people of the opposite sex.
The bird is likely to be social and accepting of people if it is introduced to a variety of people when you first bring it home. This species can make a good family pet as long as the children are not too young. Teach the bird and the children to respect one another from the start.
Highly intelligent, Catalina macaws respond well to training and can be taught to perform several tricks and to talk.
Caring for the Catalina Macaw
Being social birds, they must spend adequate time bonding with their owners to become happy, well-adjusted pets. If you are looking to adopt a Catalina macaw, make sure that you have at least 2 to 4 hours to spend with your bird every day. These parrots thrive on interaction and will become depressed and destructive if neglected or ignored.
As with all large parrots, these birds need a large cage that is no less than 4 feet wide and long by 5 feet high. The more space you can provide, the better off your bird will be. Give the bird plenty of perches and toys to keep it engaged.
