The Rubalina Macaw is all about beautiful colors with each bird being a potpourri of its own!
The Rubalina Macaw is a hybrid cross between a Ruby Macaw (hybrid) and a Catalina Macaw (hybrid). Being a cross between a Ruby and a Catalina gives this interesting macaw a lot of varying factors, both in color and in personality. It is a second generation hybrid and is influenced by the genes of three different species of macaws.
Because hybrid macaws are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father’s have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring’s coloration and overall appearance. Each Rubalina however, is a unique blend of colors inherited from its parentage. This hybrid macaw was developed from these crossings:
- 1st – Scarlet Macaw crossed with a Green-winged Macaw = Ruby Macaw
- 1st – Scarlet Macaw crossed with a Blue and Gold Macaw = Catalina Macaw
- 2nd – Ruby Macaw crossed with a Catalina Macaw = Rubalina Macaw
Hybrids have been traditionally bred for color. So being able to attribute personality traits to a hybrid are factors that are quite unknown. Though a second generation hybrid macaw, the Rubalina has lots of Scarlet Macaw in its parentage. The Scarlet Macaw, one of the most highly favored macaws and described as “beautiful and striking”. It adds intense red coloring and a bit of a fiery personality. However the nature of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures.
Two other species also add their flavor. The Green-winged Macaw, a long time favorite pet bird, lends both its beauty and its good personality . The Blue and Gold Macaw has been one of the most popular pet birds in the trade, renowned not only for its beauty but for its sweet nature and speaking ability. The Rubalina inherits all these birds beautiful coloring and more.
The parentage of the Rubalina Macaw is an interesting mix for a pet bird. This is a hybrid parrot that is very attractive with the intelligence and temperament of it parents. However their behavior and temperament is not absolutely certain. It should be quite trainable, learn to talk and do tricks, and have an amiable nature. But the fiery Scarlet may also introduce a bit of an indomitable spirit. As with all macaws, the Rubalina Macaw will require good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures.
See hybrid information, breeding combinations, and photos of hybrid macaws on the Hybrid Macaws page.
For information about the care of Macaw Parrots see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Macaw
Scientific Name:
The Rubalina Macaw is a second generation hybrid, a cross between: Ruby Macawhybrid (see above) and Catalina Macawhybrid (see above) .
Distribution:
ThIs is a captive bred hybrid macaw. Hybrid macaws are rarely found in the wild.
 Rubalina Macaw – babies Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Jane Jesser – Jo Gee |
Description:
Rubalina Macaws are very colorful, carrying the blues, greens and gold’s of the Blue and Gold and the Greenwing, along with the beautiful red coloration from the Scarlet portion of their parentage, especially on their underside. They are a full size Macaw and are highly intelligent and inquisitive. Having a lot of Scarlet Macaw parentage, they may also have a bit of an indomitable spirit.
Hybrids are usually bred for color rather than personality, so their characteristics can be uncertain. A Rubalina Macaw needs good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially it matures.
“Here is a picture of two of the babies from the same clutch. Cross between a Ruby and a Catalina – Ruby is the Mother. Keep in mind each chick is unique and can vary in color from predominate red to orange to yellow (if you’re lucky)”… Nancy McCarthy
Size – Weight:
The Rubalina Macaw is a full sized macaw. They can get over 2 lbs. Lengths up to 90 cm (35.5 inches).
Care and feeding:
A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. They eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat. See About Macaws: Housing and About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.
Social Behaviors:
The Rubalina Macaw typically takes on a composite of traits from all its parentage, having a sweet friendly nature, as well as being highly intelligent and curious. They can be a very good natured pet bird, though the Scarlet influence may also introduce a bit of an indomitable spirit.
Though the characteristics of birds that are hybrids are uncertain, they are a typical macaw. Hybrid Maui Sunrise Macaws can be cranky at times and may even be a one person bird or only like men or women unless well socialized with lots of folks.
See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw. (Also information on handling and activities)
Breeding/Reproduction:
This is a hybrid and it use to be that they were generally not bred, however the breeding of hybrids is becoming more common. See About Macaws: Macaw Breeding, Bird Reproduction – Baby Macaws for information on breeding macaws.
Sexual differences:
No visible differences.
Potential Problems:
Can be noisy (as can all macaws). See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.
Availability:
The Rubalina Macaw is rare, only occasionally available, and expensive. There are more and more breeders however, so finding these macaws for sale may become easier as they may become more available.