Catalina Macaw (Rainbow Macaw)

Ara ararauna × Ara macao — The rainbow parrot — a unique first-generation hybrid with breath-taking multicolour plumage.

CITES Appendix II 👐 Hand-Raised from Birth 🚚 Delivered to UK & Ireland 📋 Full Documentation
Catalina Macaw Rainbow Macaw hand-raised for sale UK
Catalina Macaw on hand multicolour plumage

Species Overview

CharacteristicDetail
Scientific NameAra ararauna × Ara macao
Size85–95 cm, 900–1,100 g
Wingspan100–115 cm
Lifespan50–60 years
Vocabulary30–50 words
Noise LevelModerate-loud
Family SuitabilityExperienced owners, families with older children
CITES StatusCITES Appendix II

About the Catalina Macaw (Rainbow Macaw)

The Catalina Macaw, also known as the Rainbow Macaw, is a first-generation hybrid between the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao). Every Catalina Macaw is visually unique — a one-of-a-kind combination of orange, green, blue, and red that cannot be precisely replicated in any two individuals. It is the avian equivalent of a custom painting.

At Paraíso de Aves, our Catalina Macaws are hand-raised from the first week of life in our specialist breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia. Each bird is socialised daily with human contact, acclimated to normal household sounds and environments, and leaves with full CITES documentation, a veterinary health certificate, and a unique ring ID.

Plumage and appearance

The Catalina inherits the structural blue of the ararauna on its flight feathers and tail, the vibrant red and orange chest of the macao, and a brilliant green across the upper wings. The face shows a middle path between the two species — often displaying orange and red facial striping rather than the pure bare skin of the ararauna. No two Catalinas look exactly alike, making each bird truly individual.

Temperament

The Catalina is widely considered to offer the best temperament balance of its two parent species. It combines the sociable, affectionate disposition of the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw with the energetic, playful spirit of the Scarlet. Hand-raised from birth, our birds are genuinely people-oriented — they enjoy being handled, seek shoulder rides, love head scratches, and actively participate in family life.

Training and language

Catalina Macaws are good talkers by macaw standards. With consistent positive reinforcement training starting at 3–6 months, most birds develop a vocabulary of 30–50 words or short phrases. They excel at step-up commands, target training, and learning simple tricks. Short daily training sessions (5–10 minutes) with food rewards are the most effective approach.

Diet and Nutrition

The Catalina Macaw's dietary needs closely follow those of its two parent species:

Avoid: avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onion, garlic, alcohol, and any salted or heavily processed human food. Fresh water should be changed at least twice daily.

Gallery

Real photographs from our breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia — not stock images.

See more in our full gallery →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Catalina Macaw?

A Catalina Macaw is a first-generation hybrid between the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao). The result is a visually spectacular bird with multicolour plumage — orange chest, green wings, blue flight feathers — that varies uniquely between individuals.

Are Catalina Macaws good pets?

Yes. Hand-raised Catalinas are affectionate, playful, and deeply bonded to their human family. They combine the gentle sociability of the Blue-and-Yellow with the energy of the Scarlet. They require significant daily interaction and mental stimulation to thrive.

Do Catalina Macaws talk?

Yes. They are good talkers by macaw standards, typically learning 30–50 words and short phrases with consistent training. Training begun at 3–6 months yields the best results.

Do Catalina Macaws require CITES documentation?

Yes. As a hybrid of two CITES Appendix II species, Catalina Macaws require CITES documentation for legal sale and transport. We provide complete paperwork: CITES certificate, veterinary health certificate, and ring ID.

How much does a Catalina Macaw cost in the UK?

Prices vary by age and availability. Please contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current pricing. All birds include full CITES documentation.

How long does a Catalina Macaw live?

50–60 years with proper care — a lifetime commitment that should be planned for carefully.

Can you deliver a Catalina Macaw to the UK?

Yes. We deliver throughout the UK and Ireland via specialist live-animal air cargo. All CITES export documentation is prepared by us. You will receive the bird at an agreed UK airport cargo terminal.

What size cage does a Catalina Macaw need?

Minimum 120×90×150 cm, ideally 180×90×180 cm or larger. Their wingspan can reach 115 cm, so they need genuine space to stretch. Daily out-of-cage time in a safe, supervised area is essential.

Related Species & Further Reading

Interested in a Catalina Macaw (Rainbow Macaw)?

Contact us to discuss current availability, pricing, and the delivery process. We answer all enquiries promptly and without obligation.

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