Blue Macaw Price: What Every Type of Blue Macaw Actually Costs
“Blue macaw” sounds like one bird, but when people search for a blue macaw price they are usually looking at three very different options. One is a widely bred, affordable-by-macaw-standards pet. One is the giant, expensive Hyacinth. And a couple are so rare that you will not realistically see them for sale. This guide sorts out which is which, so you know what you are really pricing.
Which birds are called a “blue macaw”?
| Bird | Also called | Size | Lifespan | Realistic to buy? |
| Blue and Gold Macaw | Blue and Yellow Macaw | About 30 to 34 in | 40 to 60 years | Yes, the most common blue macaw pet |
| Hyacinth Macaw | Blue macaw (the “true” blue) | About 40 in, largest parrot | 50 to 80 years | Yes, but expensive and less common |
| Lear’s Macaw | Indigo macaw | Slightly smaller than a Hyacinth | Long lived | No, critically rare and protected |
| Spix’s Macaw | Little blue macaw | Small macaw | Long lived | No, not a pet trade bird |
If your budget is in the normal pet range, your real choice is between the Blue and Gold and the Hyacinth.
How much does a Blue and Gold Macaw cost?
The Blue and Gold is the most affordable of the large macaws because breeders produce so many of them. That said, “affordable” is relative: it is still a purchase in the thousands of dollars for a hand-raised, DNA-sexed baby. Prices climb for very young hand-fed babies, proven talkers and rare mutations, and they drop for older birds that need rehoming. For current US numbers by species, see our macaw cost guide and the full Blue and Gold Macaw guide.
How much does a Hyacinth Macaw cost?
The Hyacinth is the bird most people picture when they say “blue macaw,” and it is priced accordingly. Published price guides commonly put a Hyacinth Macaw between about $5,000 and $12,000 or more, depending on age and how tame the bird is. Their size, rarity and slow breeding keep prices well above the Blue and Gold. Read our Hyacinth Macaw guide for temperament, space and diet needs before you budget.
What about Lear’s and Spix’s Macaws?
These are the rarest blue macaws. Lear’s Macaw is critically rare, and the Spix’s Macaw spent years extinct in the wild before a managed conservation breeding effort began. Neither is a practical pet-trade option, and any listing that claims otherwise should be treated as a warning sign. If you see one advertised at a surprisingly low price, assume it is a scam.
What affects the price of a blue macaw?
- Species. Hyacinth costs far more than Blue and Gold.
- Age and weaning. Hand-fed babies cost more than adults.
- Hand-raising and tameness. A well-socialized bird is worth more than a parent-raised one.
- DNA sexing and health testing. Reputable breeders include these. See our DNA sexing guide.
- Mutations and rarity. Unusual color forms add a premium.
- Breeder reputation and guarantees. Use our guide to choosing a reputable parrot breeder.
The real cost is more than the bird
A blue macaw’s purchase price is only the first bill. Budget for:
- A very large cage or flight space. Macaws need room to spread their wings, and this is often the second biggest expense.
- Food. Quality pellets, fresh vegetables and nuts add up for a large bird.
- Avian vet care. Annual exams, plus emergencies, which can run to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Toys and enrichment. Macaws destroy toys quickly. See our best parrot toys by size.
- Boarding or a pet sitter if you travel.
Is a smaller blue macaw cheaper?
Yes. If you like the macaw look but not the macaw price, a mini macaw such as the Hahn’s can be a far lower-cost entry point. Read our guides to the smallest macaw species and the Hahn’s Macaw. For a bigger bird in a similar price band to the Blue and Gold, compare the Military Macaw cost.
Where to look at macaws for sale
Browse hand-raised birds in our Macaws category or read our macaws for sale guide. If you want a specific species, contact Mo directly. Since a macaw can live 40 to 80 years, check our parrot lifespan chart and plan for who will care for the bird long term.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a blue macaw?
It depends on which blue macaw you mean. A Blue and Gold is the most affordable and common. A Hyacinth Macaw is commonly priced from about $5,000 to $12,000 or more.
What is the most expensive blue macaw?
Among birds you can realistically buy, the Hyacinth Macaw is the most expensive. Lear’s and Spix’s Macaws are so rare that they are not part of the normal pet market.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw the same as a blue macaw?
People often use “blue macaw” for the Blue and Gold, but the Blue and Gold has a bright yellow-gold chest. The Hyacinth is the all-blue macaw.
How long do blue macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws typically live 40 to 60 years, and Hyacinth Macaws 50 to 80 years with proper care.
Can I buy a blue macaw online?
Yes, from a reputable breeder that offers hand-raised, DNA-sexed birds with health testing and a written guarantee. Avoid any seller that refuses video calls or asks for payment before showing the bird.
Are blue macaws good for beginners?
Usually no. They are loud, large and demanding. If you are new to parrots, start with one of the species in our easiest parrots for beginners guide.