How Much Does a Macaw Cost? Complete 2026 US Price Guide (All Species)

Macaws are the largest and most iconic of the true parrot family, and their prices vary dramatically by species. From the affordable 12 inch Hahn’s Macaw to the enormous 40 inch Hyacinth Macaw at nearly ten times the cost, there is a macaw at almost every serious buyer price point. This guide is your complete 2026 price reference covering every commonly available macaw species in the US pet trade, plus real first year ownership costs and honest buying advice.

What is the average price of a macaw?

A hand raised macaw from a working US aviary costs $2,500 to $6,000 for the most common species. Median pricing sits around $3,000 to $3,500 for a Blue and Gold Macaw baby. Mini macaws run lower, from $1,500. Large exotic species like Hyacinth run dramatically higher. For the full lineup of currently available macaws at Mo’s Birds, browse the macaws category page.

Complete macaw price table (all commonly available species)

Macaw price by category

Mini macaws: $1,500 to $4,000

The mini macaw category includes all true macaws under 20 inches. Best entry point for first time macaw owners. Includes Hahn’s, Noble, Yellow Collared, Illiger’s, and Severe. For a complete comparison of the mini macaw species, see our smallest macaw species guide.

Mid to large macaws: $2,500 to $7,000

The most popular pet macaw category. Includes Military, Blue and Gold, Scarlet, and Green Wing. All are 27 inches or larger and require detached housing. For species specific pricing details, see our Military Macaw cost guide, Blue and Gold Macaw guide, or Scarlet Macaw guide.

Premium and rare macaws: $5,000 to $30,000

The Buffon and Hyacinth macaws sit at the top of the pricing range due to breeding difficulty, CITES protection, and rarity in the pet trade. For the full Hyacinth breakdown, see our Hyacinth Macaw complete guide.

Why do macaw prices vary so much?

Species. The single biggest factor. A Hyacinth Macaw costs 10 to 20 times what a Hahn’s Macaw costs, purely based on species desirability and rarity.

Hand feeding time. A well raised macaw chick has been hand fed for 14 to 30 weeks depending on species. That is real breeder labour reflected in the price.

Breeding difficulty. Some macaw species breed reliably in captivity (Blue and Gold). Others are famously difficult (Hyacinth, Buffon). Difficult breeders produce fewer chicks per year, which drives per bird price higher.

CITES protection. Species on CITES Appendix I (Hyacinth, Scarlet, Great Green) have additional paperwork requirements that add administrative overhead to every bird sold.

DNA sexing and health screening. Reputable breeders test every bird. See our full explanation of the DNA sexing process for parrots for how this works and what it costs.

Age at purchase. Weaned babies (16 to 30 weeks) command the highest price. Adults and rehomed birds typically cost 30 to 50 percent less.

Real first year cost of owning a macaw

The bird itself is only the starting number. First year ownership adds another $2,000 to $15,000 depending on species.

• Cage: $600 to $8,000 depending on macaw size. Mini macaws need 30 by 30 by 40 inches minimum. Large macaws need 48 by 36 by 60 inches. Hyacinth needs 60 by 60 by 84 inches.
• Perches, bowls, and heavy duty toys: $250 to $1,200
• Food (first year): $500 to $3,500 depending on species and dietary specialty
• Avian vet first year: $250 to $1,500 including well bird check and follow up
• Emergency fund: $1,500 to $5,000 depending on species
• Shipping (if buying out of state): $300 to $1,000 via Delta Cargo. See our shipping page for details.

Macaw lifespan by species

Every macaw is a multi decade commitment. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.

Warning signs of an underpriced macaw

Any macaw advertised well below the ranges in the price table above is almost always a warning sign. Real hand rearing costs the breeder significantly. Common patterns of trouble:

• Photos identical to listings on other breeder websites
• Refuses live video call before payment
• Insists on wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card payment
• Cannot name the specific species or subspecies
• Sells unweaned chicks to novice buyers (dangerous and often illegal)
• No DNA sexing certificate available
• Vague or shifting shipping location

Which macaw is the right choice for you?

If this is your first macaw: Hahn’s Macaw or Severe Macaw. Both are the most commonly recommended first macaws due to smaller size and manageable temperament.

If you want the classic large macaw look and personality: Blue and Gold Macaw. Widely considered the most beginner friendly of the large macaws.

If you want the most striking coloration: Scarlet Macaw. Requires experienced ownership.

If you want the ultimate rare parrot: Hyacinth Macaw. Requires expert level experience and a five to six figure budget.

Where to buy a macaw the right way

At Mo’s Birds we hand raise several macaw species from our Southern California aviary. Every bird is DNA sexed, health tested, and ships nationwide via Delta Cargo. To see currently available macaws, browse the macaws category page, check the new born babies page, or contact Mo directly for photos and video of specific birds or waitlist information on any species not currently listed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest macaw?

Hahn’s Macaw, at $1,500 to $2,500 hand raised in the US in 2026. The smallest true macaw species and the most affordable entry point into macaw ownership.

What is the most expensive macaw?

Hyacinth Macaw, at $10,000 to $30,000. The largest parrot in the world and heavily protected under CITES, which drives the premium pricing.

How much does a Blue and Gold Macaw cost?

$2,749 and up at Mo’s Birds. Blue and Gold Macaws are widely available and among the most popular pet macaws in the US.

Are macaws worth the money?

For the right owner with the right household, absolutely. Macaws are highly intelligent, deeply bonding, and stunning to look at. For anyone underestimating the daily attention, noise, and multi decade commitment, they are the wrong choice regardless of price.

Do macaw prices vary by region in the US?

Slightly. Coastal markets (California, New York, Florida) tend to run 10 to 20 percent higher than midwestern markets due to higher demand and higher breeder overheads.

Are older macaws cheaper?

Yes. Adult macaws and rehomed birds typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than hand raised babies. They come with existing habits and require patience to rebond but can be extremely rewarding for experienced owners.