Introduction

If you’re thinking of getting a parrot and want something smart, funny, and seriously beautiful, you might want to take a look at the Catalina Macaw. These birds are super eye-catching with their rainbow colors. But they’re not just pretty—they’re also full of personality and love attention. In this guide from ProPetLand, we’ll break down everything you need to know about them—from what they eat to how to care for them, and even what makes them different from other macaws.

What is a Catalina Macaw?

A Catalina Macaw is a hybrid parrot—a mix between a Scarlet Macaw and a Blue-and-Gold Macaw. This gives them a unique look. Their feathers are a mix of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. No two are exactly alike. They’re medium to large parrots and usually grow around 34 inches long. They’re smart, playful, and full of energy.

Taking Care of a Catalina Macaw

These birds need a lot of time and attention. They’re super social, so they get bored or upset if left alone for too long. You should plan to hang out with them every day. They also need a clean, roomy cage and lots of out-of-cage time to stretch their wings and play.

What Do Catalina Macaws Eat?

Feeding them right is super important. They need a balanced diet with:

• Pellets (the healthy kind made for parrots)

• Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, berries

• Veggies like carrots, spinach, broccoli

• Nuts and seeds (but not too many)

Stay away from junk food, salty stuff, chocolate, or avocado—those can be harmful.

Training Tips for Catalina Macaws

Because they’re smart, Catalina Macaws can learn lots of cool tricks. Start with simple stuff like:

• Stepping up onto your hand

• Learning their name

• Saying words (yep, they can talk!)

Use treats, keep training short and fun, and be patient. They learn better when they’re happy and feel safe.

Behavior and Personality

Every Catalina Macaw has its own vibe, but most of them are:

• Curious

• Playful

• Loud (yep, they can scream!)

• Affectionate once they trust you

They love attention and can get cranky if they feel ignored. They also like to chew, so keep wires, furniture, and anything you like far away!

The Perfect Cage Setup

Their cage should be big—like, at least 36″x48″x60″. Bigger is better. Inside, you’ll need:

• Sturdy perches of different sizes

• Toys (change them out often to keep things fun)

• Food and water dishes

• A play stand outside the cage

Put their cage somewhere quiet, but not isolated. They like being around people.

Common Health Problems

Like all birds, Catalina Macaws can get sick. Watch for signs like:

• Fluffy feathers all the time

• Not eating

• Runny poop

• Sitting at the bottom of the cage

Take them to an avian vet at least once a year. Early treatment can save their life.

How Long Do They Live?

With good care, a Catalina Macaw can live 50–60 years, sometimes even more. That means they’re a lifelong buddy. Before getting one, think about that kind of commitment.

Can You Breed Them?

Yep, breeders create Catalina Macaws by pairing. a Scarlet Macaw with a Blue-and-Gold Macaw. It’s tricky though. You need experience, space, and to make sure you’re breeding. Ethically and not adding to the parrot rescue problem.

Catalina vs Other Macaws

Catalinas are hybrids, so they don’t occur naturally in the wild. Compared to other macaws:

• They’re usually more colorful

• Personality-wise, they’re a mix of the parents—Scarlet’s sass. Blue-and-Gold’s friendliness

• They may not be as consistent in temperament because they’re hybrids

Thinking of Getting One?

Don’t rush. Look for a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Never buy from a pet store or someone who can’t answer your questions about the bird’s health and background.

Toys and Enrichment Ideas

Bored birds get destructive. Catalina Macaws love:

• Puzzle toys

• Foraging toys (hide treats in them)

• Shreddable stuff like paper or wood

• Swings and bells

Switch out toys weekly to keep things interesting.

Traveling with Your Bird

If you plan to travel, get a safe travel cage, start with short trips, and make sure your bird is used to being in the carrier. Some airlines allow birds, but check rules first.

Grooming Needs

They don’t need baths every day, but they do love a misting with water. Also:

• Trim nails when needed

• Let them wear down their beak naturally

• Clean their cage often to avoid illness

Getting Social

These parrots can be friendly with others if they’re raised right. Let them meet new people and hear new sounds, but do it slowly. Too much too soon can scare them.

Is it Legal to Own One?

In most places, yes—but always check your local laws. Some areas have rules about owning exotic birds. You might need a permit or paperwork showing where your bird came from.

Adopting or Rescuing

Many macaws end up in rescues because people don’t realize how much work they are. If you’ve got time, love, and experience, consider adopting. It’s a great way to help a bird in need.

Supplies You’ll Need

Start with:

• A huge cage

• Toys (lots!)

• Food and water dishes

• Travel carrier

• Perches and stands

• Pellet food and healthy snacks

Facts vs Myths

Here’s what’s true—and what’s not:

• ❌ “All macaws talk.” – Not true! Some never do.

• ✅ “They live for decades.” – Yep.

• ❌ “They’re easy pets.” – No way. They’re high maintenance but worth it.

Join the Community

There are Facebook groups, YouTube channels. Even local bird clubs for macaw owners. Talk to other parrot people and learn from their experiences—it really helps.

Final Thoughts

Catalina Macaws are stunning, smart, and full of sass. But they’re not for everyone. They need time, patience, and tons of attention. If you’re ready for the challenge (and a lot of laughs), they’ll be one of the best friends you’ve ever had.