A Catalina macaw has a presence that’s impossible to ignore. It’s one of the most striking hybrid macaws, created by crossing a blue‑and‑gold macaw with a scarlet macaw. Because it’s a hybrid, no two Catalina macaws look exactly alike, but they tend to share a dramatic, fiery palette and a bold, expressive personality.

🦜 Appearance

• A Catalina macaw often displays a sunset‑like gradient of colors—reds, oranges, and yellows blending across the chest and wings.

• The back and tail feathers usually shift into greens and blues, giving the bird a shimmering, tropical look.

• Their faces have the classic macaw bare white skin patches with fine feather lines, and their eyes are bright and alert.

• They are large parrots, typically 34–36 inches long with a long, elegant tail and a powerful curved beak.

🌟 Personality

Catalinas are known for being:

• Highly intelligent, often quick to learn words, tricks, and routines.

• Energetic and playful, with a love for climbing, chewing, and exploring.

• Affectionate but strong‑willed, combining the scarlet macaw’s intensity with the blue‑and‑gold’s sociability.

• Attention‑seeking, thriving on interaction and mental stimulation.

They bond deeply with their humans and can be wonderfully interactive companions when given consistent training and enrichment.

🏞️ Behavior and Activity

• They enjoy flying, hanging, and acrobatic play, so large spaces and sturdy perches are essential.

• Catalina macaws are vocal birds, capable of loud calls and expressive chatter.

• Their curiosity means they investigate everything—often with their beak—so they need safe toys and supervised freedom.

🧠 Care Considerations

• They require daily social time, mental challenges, and a varied diet of pellets, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

• Because of their intelligence and emotional sensitivity, they do best with owners who can provide structure, patience, and enrichment.

• With proper care, they can live 50 years or more, making them a long‑term commitment.