catalina or greenwing macaw

[metzeric]

i have the chance to buy one of two babies and its between a catalina and a greenwing but im not sure which to go with i hear conflicting things on both such as catalinas can be nippy because of the scarlet in them but yet i hear some say that the blue and gold in them makes them sweet i think every baby that is raised can be different im looking to hear from other greenwing of catalina owners to help me out hear and i am aware about the hybred issue and that is not going to influence my choice also we have a 11 yr old congo grey and a 7 moth old umbreall cockatoo

thanks
eric

[TooLover]

I don't have either, so no help there, however, I do think the bird will pick you. Heck, if I had my choice I would take them both!

[The Outlaw]

I would chose the Greenwing. In the long run, I think you'll be happier. Its my experience with the hybirds that they can be very unpredictable and even have genetic health issues down the road. There are few creatures on God's green earth sweeter than a well raised Greenwing. In fact, if I could take in one more bird, any of my choice, it would be a Greenwing. And that even includes Hys. They are so much more mellow than even the BGs (and if you know anything at all about me, I LOVE BG macaws) That's why I have four of them.

THE OUTLAW

[The Outlaw]

She sounds amazing. Let me correct one thing. Greenwings aren't the most threatened of the macaws. They are becoming scarcer in wild as are many of the rainforest birds, but the Hys and Canindes are far more scarce.

I love the GWs too. I have had the pleasure of knowing 3 fairly intimately, and they are truly the Cadillac of the big macaws. I adore my macaws (4 BGs and a Severe) but must concede that the GW is more mellow and predictable.

THE OUTLAW

[Winged_Victory]

Savanah sounds like a super neat bird!!

[AsianPuppies]

Everyone makes good points (for the greater part), but I have to completely agree with Elwoodblue. Allowing the bird to pick you will result in the best bond. Good training and lots of love will do the rest. Catalinas occur naturally in the wild, so I shouldn't let that delicate issue factor into your decision.

For what it's worth, it has been my experience that the reputation of nippiness in Scarlets is a bit undeserved. Scarlets tend to use their beaks a little more than the other species in the macaw group and have gotten a reputation that is not necessarily true.

Allow the bird to pick you, learn everything you can about macaws before bringing your new one home, consistent and good training, lots of love and continuing education, and you should be well on your way to a relationship that lasts many happy years.

A/P

[The Outlaw]

Admittedly, I have limited interaction with a lot of scarlets, but every one, with the exception of a newly weaned baby here has bitten me and meant it. It wasn't about transferring safely from one perch to another, Oh no. They all lured me over and when I got within striking reach, took a shot.

The scarlets that I've known that are still in their original households are always the same: devoted to one person only. That person has carte blanche with them, but forget about snuggling with anyone else. Maybe its just Maryland macaws, I don't know. However, they are the ONLY macaw that I've experienced this with. I've handled Buffons to Hahns without any problems. I haven't had the opportunity to interact much with any Hys aside from just holding one in a local birdstore, but of the many scarlets I've interacted with (and Gary knows how much blood I've shed (lol)) it seems to be a running theme. The baby scarlet that I did have a good experience with had just been sold. Otherwise, he'd be a part of the flock.

However, ALL of the Greenwings have been absolute dolls. The difference between the two was astounding to me. But, since I do find the scarlets to be among the most beautiful of the macaws, I'm gonna just say they don't care for ME, and not all humans.

THE OUTLAW

[AsianPuppies]

Outlaw, isn't it one of the most fascinating aspects about birds that varying people have such varying experiences with them?

Your comment about the possibility of it just being just YOU and Scarlets made me feel a little better about ME and African Greys. I find them to be fascinating birds and am completely intrigued by them; however, I have yet to find one that likes ME, up to and including chicks I have fed out from 7 days out of the nest through weaning. They will tolerate me until they are weaned and then that's it for me and they seem to wear an expression that says "approach with caution, only out of absolute necessity, and I recommend bringing bandaids with you."

Your statement does make me wonder if it is possible that an individual can be ruled as unacceptable by certain species?

As for me and Scarlet macaws, I've not yet met one that wouldn't allow me to pick it up and have never been so much as nipped!

A/P

[Tiki]

Savannah looks and sounds adorable! 8)

[ITHINKISAWAPUDDYCAT]

what does a gw macaw look like? what's so special about them? Can they talk like a Grey?