Catalina Macaw vs Blue-and-Yellow Macaw: full comparison of appearance, temperament, care needs, price, and suitability for UK buyers.
Ara ararauna × Ara macao
| Size | 80–90 cm, ~1.2 kg |
| Lifespan | 50–70 years |
| Noise | Loud |
| Talking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CITES | CITES-compliant hybrid |
| UK Price | £2,500–£5,500 |
Ara ararauna
| Size | 86 cm, 0.9–1.3 kg |
| Lifespan | 50–70 years |
| Noise | Loud |
| Talking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CITES | Appendix II |
| UK Price | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Factor | Catalina Macaw | Blue-and-Yellow Macaw |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Orange-red chest, blue-green back; every bird unique | Vivid cobalt blue above, yellow below; consistent |
| Temperament | Energetic blend of both parents; very social | Outgoing, playful, affectionate; well-documented |
| Talking | Good; inherits ability from both parents | Good; one of the better-talking large macaws |
| Care complexity | Same as parent species | Well-documented; good vet literature available |
| Price | £2,500–£5,500 | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Uniqueness | Every bird a unique colour combination | Consistent — what you see is what you get |
If you want visual uniqueness — a bird whose exact colour combination has never existed before and will never exist again — the Catalina Macaw is extraordinary. If you want the most widely understood species with the most available veterinary and care literature, the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is the choice. In practical terms of temperament and care, they are extremely similar.
No — the care requirements are essentially identical. The Catalina's hybrid nature does not introduce additional care complexity.
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