Hahn’s Macaw: Complete Guide to the Smallest Macaw Species

If you have always wanted a macaw but cannot commit to the size, volume, and lifespan of a Blue and Gold or a Military, the Hahn’s Macaw might be the answer. As the smallest true macaw species in the world, the Hahn’s packs all the personality, intelligence, and playful energy of the larger macaws into a body no bigger than a cockatiel. This guide walks through everything you should know before buying a Hahn’s Macaw, including price, care, and honest trade offs against larger macaw species.

What is a Hahn’s Macaw?

The Hahn’s Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis) is the smallest of the true macaws, also known as the Red Shouldered Macaw. Native to eastern South America across Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, and Suriname, they live in tropical forests and savannahs in small flocks. In captivity they have become one of the more popular mini macaw species due to their approachable size and unmistakable macaw personality.

They are often confused with the closely related Noble Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis cumanensis), which is slightly larger with a horn coloured upper beak. The Hahn’s has an all black beak.

What does a Hahn’s Macaw look like?

• Length: 12 inches
• Weight: 140 to 175 grams
• Body colour: Bright emerald green
• Head: Dark blue crown
• Shoulders: Bright red patch (source of the alternative name Red Shouldered Macaw)
• Beak: All black
• Facial patch: Small featherless white facial patch typical of macaws

The small white facial patch is one of the most reliable ways to distinguish a Hahn’s from a Conure. Even though a Hahn’s is roughly conure sized, that bare face patch immediately marks it as a macaw.

Personality and temperament

Hahn’s Macaws combine the classic macaw personality (bold, playful, curious, mischievous) with a small parrot’s approachability. They are known for being one of the most people friendly small macaws, developing strong bonds with their primary human and typically tolerating other family members better than larger macaws do.

They are also known for being clownish. Hahn’s will hang upside down, tumble across a play stand, wrestle with toys, and generally entertain themselves and their humans throughout the day. They are less prone to biting than larger macaws, though a fully mature Hahn’s still has a strong beak and can inflict a painful bite if provoked.

Are Hahn’s Macaws good talkers?

Moderate. Hahn’s Macaws typically develop a vocabulary of 10 to 20 words and phrases. Their voice is slightly higher pitched than a larger macaw but still clearly recognizable as speech. They are not in the league of African Greys or Amazons, but they talk more reliably than Cockatoos and most conures.

Are Hahn’s Macaws loud?

Compared to what? A Hahn’s Macaw is significantly quieter than a Blue and Gold, Military, or Scarlet Macaw. But they are still louder than a Cockatiel or a Green Cheek Conure. Their contact calls are sharp and can carry through most apartment walls. They are not the ideal apartment bird but they are manageable in a townhouse or a house with understanding neighbours.

If noise is a serious concern, consider a Green Cheek Conure or one of the Poicephalus species instead. See our small parrot noise comparison for the honest volume breakdown across small parrot species.

How much does a Hahn’s Macaw cost?

Hand raised Hahn’s Macaws cost $1,500 to $2,500 in the US in 2026 from a working aviary. They are less commonly bred than the larger macaws, which keeps prices firm despite their smaller size.

For full pricing and buyer information on other macaw species, see our macaws category page or the Military Macaw cost guide for detailed pricing on the mid sized macaw range.

Care requirements

Cage size. Minimum 30 by 30 by 40 inches. Larger is strongly preferred. Bar spacing no wider than 3 by 4 inch. Their beak strength is disproportionate to their size, so choose a heavy powder coated or stainless steel cage.

Diet. 60 to 70 percent quality pellet, 20 to 30 percent fresh vegetables and small amounts of fruit, 5 to 10 percent nuts and seeds. Hahn’s need slightly higher fat content than most parrots.

Out of cage time. At least 3 hours per day of interaction and free flight in a bird proofed room.

Enrichment. Rotate three foraging or destructive chew toys weekly. Hahn’s are heavy chewers for their size.

Sleep. 10 to 12 hours of dark quiet sleep per night.

How long does a Hahn’s Macaw live?

Hahn’s Macaws routinely live 30 to 50 years in captivity with proper care. This is a shorter commitment than a large macaw (40 to 80 years) but still longer than most people expect. For the full lifespan picture, see our how long parrots live guide.

Is a Hahn’s Macaw the right bird for you?

Choose a Hahn’s Macaw if: you want the macaw personality without the size, volume, or lifespan of a large macaw; you have detached housing or understanding neighbours; you can commit to daily interaction; and you have experience with medium sized parrots.

Choose a larger macaw if: you have the space and noise tolerance and want the classic macaw stature and vocabulary.

Choose a smaller parrot if: noise is a serious concern or you live in a shared wall apartment. A Green Cheek Conure or Poicephalus species will serve you better.

Where to buy a Hahn’s Macaw

Because Hahn’s Macaws are less commonly bred than larger macaws, expect a waitlist from most specialty breeders. Working aviaries that also breed related macaw species are your best starting point. At Mo’s Birds we hand raise several macaw species. Browse the macaws category page, check the current babies page for available birds, or contact Mo directly for waitlist information on Hahn’s specifically.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Hahn’s Macaw a real macaw?

Yes. Hahn’s Macaws are true macaws in the genus Diopsittaca, closely related to the larger Ara macaws. The featherless facial patch confirms macaw status even at their small size.

Are Hahn’s Macaws good for beginners?

For experienced small parrot owners moving up to a macaw, yes. Not recommended as an absolute first bird due to their strong beak and higher care demands than cockatiels or budgies.

Can Hahn’s Macaws talk?

Moderate. They typically learn 10 to 20 words and phrases, sometimes more. Male Hahn’s tend to talk more than females.

What is the difference between a Hahn’s Macaw and a Noble Macaw?

Hahn’s Macaws (Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis) have all black beaks. Noble Macaws (Diopsittaca nobilis cumanensis) have horn coloured upper beaks and are slightly larger.

Are Hahn’s Macaws apartment appropriate?

Manageable in a townhouse but not ideal in a shared wall apartment. Their contact calls carry farther than a Green Cheek Conure or Cockatiel.

What is the monthly cost of owning a Hahn’s Macaw?

$75 to $130 per month for food, toy replacement, and vet fund contribution. Emergency vet visits sit on top of this.