Catalina Macaw

$2,900.00

Category: Macaws Tags: Catalina Macaw, catalina macaw for sale, catalina macaw lifespan, Catalina Macaw parrot, catalina macaw price, catalina macaws

Description
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Catalina Macaw

Catalina Macaw is a captivating and visually spectacular hybrid parrot breed, meticulously created through the deliberate crossbreeding of two iconic macaw species: the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and the Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna). This avicultural innovation, first achieved in the 1990s in California (inspired by Santa Catalina Island), has produced a bird that embodies the pinnacle of parrot beauty and intelligence, blending the vibrant red accents of the Scarlet with the golden-yellow body and blue wings of the Blue-and-yellow. Unlike naturally occurring species, Catalina Macaws are exclusively bred in captivity and do not exist in the wild, making them a testament to human ingenuity in animal husbandry. They are celebrated for their affectionate, playful personalities, exceptional vocal abilities, and striking plumage that turns heads wherever they go, often described as a “living rainbow” due to the harmonious fusion of colors. As hybrids, they inherit the best traits from both parents: the Scarlet’s bold reds and the Blue-and-yellow’s sunny yellows and deep blues, resulting in a unique pattern that includes a yellow head and body, blue back and wings, and red-tipped tails. This combination has made them immensely popular in the pet trade and aviculture, where they are prized for their intelligence, which allows them to learn tricks, mimic human speech with clarity, and form deep, loyal bonds with their owners. However, their size, longevity (up to 50-60 years), and potential for high energy and noise make them unsuitable for inexperienced owners, requiring a lifetime commitment to specialized care. Ethical breeding and ownership are crucial, as overbreeding can lead to health issues, and adopting from reputable breeders or rescues helps prevent exploitation of wild parent species. The Catalina Macaw’s story highlights the wonders of hybridization while underscoring the importance of responsible practices in aviculture, as it draws attention to the conservation needs of its parent species, both of which face threats in the wild.

Physical Description

The Catalina Macaw is an imposing and breathtakingly beautiful hybrid, standing as a masterpiece of avian aesthetics with its large size and bold contrasts. Measuring 76-86 cm (30-34 inches) in length from the tip of its beak to the end of its beak to the end of its tail, it features a wingspan of 102-112 cm (40-44 inches) that enables powerful, soaring flights through dense forest canopies or open savannas, and weighs between 900-1,300 grams (32-46 ounces), giving it a robust, muscular build adapted for cracking hard-shelled nuts and navigating arboreal environments. Catalina Macaw plumage is a masterpiece of vivid hues, with the head, neck, and body predominantly a bright, sunny yellow that radiates warmth and energy, while the back, wings, and upper tail are a rich, cobalt blue that deepens to navy on the flight feathers, creating a striking backdrop for the golden-yellow body, face, and shoulders that glow brightly in sunlight. Catalina Macaw tail is particularly spectacular, featuring bands of red and blue that fan out dramatically during displays or flight, enhancing its aerodynamic profile and adding a fiery accent that echoes the Scarlet Macaw’s heritage. The bare facial skin is smooth and pale white or pinkish, framing the eyes and beak, and adding to the bird’s expressive, almost human-like visage. The beak is massive, curved, and black, with a formidable bite force capable of crushing palm nuts and seeds, while the eyes are large, dark brown, and highly alert, surrounded by the bare skin that can flush or change color with emotion. Sexual dimorphism is subtle and not always obvious; males typically have slightly larger heads, broader beaks, and more pronounced colors, while females appear marginally smaller and duller, but accurate sexing often requires behavioral observation, vocal differences, or DNA testing. Juveniles present a muted version of adult plumage, with paler yellows, less vibrant blues, and faint red accents on the tail, which intensify over 2-3 years through successive molts as they reach maturity. Catalina Macaw feet are zygodactylous, with two toes facing forward and two backward, each equipped with strong, curved claws for securely gripping branches, perches, and food items. In flight, the Catalina Macaw exhibits a majestic, undulating soar with deep wingbeats, showcasing flashes of blue, yellow, and red that make it a mesmerizing sight. Overall, its physical attributes blend raw power with aesthetic brilliance, reflecting the successful hybridization of two magnificent species while captivating observers with its regal presence and vibrant energy.

Habitat and Distribution

As a hybrid breed, the Catalina Macaw has no natural habitat or wild distribution—it is entirely a product of captive breeding and is found only in human care worldwide, with origins tracing back to California in the 1990s. Breeders and owners provide environments that mimic the tropical conditions of its parent species, such as large aviaries or indoor enclosures with access to outdoor spaces, trees, water features, and natural sunlight. These setups ensure the birds can exhibit natural behaviors like climbing, foraging, and flying, promoting physical and mental health. In captivity, they thrive in warm, humid climates but can adapt to temperate regions with proper heating and humidity control. Their global presence in aviculture means they are bred and kept in various countries, from the U.S. to Europe and beyond, often in sanctuaries, zoos, or private homes.

Behavior and Diet

Catalina Macaws are inherently social, intelligent, and affectionate hybrids, inheriting the playful, curious nature of both parent species. Catalina Macaw form strong bonds with owners, displaying loyalty through cuddling, vocal interactions, and playful antics like tossing toys or swinging from perches. Highly trainable, they excel at learning tricks, commands, and mimicking speech or sounds with impressive accuracy. In groups, they are cooperative and engaging, but they can be demanding of attention. Dietarily, they require a balanced regimen of high-quality macaw pellets, fresh fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, mangoes), vegetables (carrots, broccoli), and nuts (macadamias, almonds—in moderation). Foraging enrichment is essential to stimulate their natural instincts and prevent boredom.

Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding Catalina Macaws follows the patterns of their parent species, with pairs nesting in tree cavities or artificial boxes. Females lay 2-4 eggs, incubated for 24-28 days. Chicks fledge after 3-4 months. Responsible breeding avoids inbreeding to maintain health.