Macaws for Sale: Species, Prices and What to Check Before You Buy (2026)
“Macaw for sale” is one of the most searched parrot buying terms in the US, but it covers more than a dozen different birds at wildly different prices. A Hahn’s Macaw and a Hyacinth Macaw are both macaws, yet one costs a few hundred dollars and the other costs more than a used car. This guide breaks down every macaw you will actually find for sale in the US pet trade in 2026, what each one costs, and the checks that separate a healthy hand raised baby from a bird you will regret buying.
What counts as a macaw?
Macaws are the large, long tailed parrots of Central and South America, known for vivid colour, high intelligence, and long lifespans of 30 to 60 years. The pet trade splits them into two practical groups: large macaws (the classic big birds most people picture) and mini macaws (smaller species that suit tighter spaces and quieter homes). Both groups are true macaws, but they differ enormously in price, noise, and space needs, so it helps to know which group you are shopping in before you start.
Macaw prices by species (2026 US market)
Here is the current price picture for hand raised macaw babies from working US aviaries. Prices vary by age, tameness, DNA sexing, and region, but this is the realistic 2026 range.
| Macaw Species | Baby Price (2026) | Group | Noise Level |
| Hahn’s Macaw | $700 to $1,500 | Mini | Moderate |
| Severe Macaw | $1,500 to $2,500 | Mini | Moderate to loud |
| Military Macaw | $1,500 to $3,500 | Large | Loud |
| Blue and Gold Macaw | $2,000 to $3,500 | Large | Loud |
| Greenwing Macaw | $3,000 to $5,000 | Large | Loud |
| Scarlet Macaw | $3,000 to $5,000 | Large | Loud |
| Catalina (hybrid) | $3,000 to $5,000 | Large | Loud |
| Harlequin (hybrid) | $3,000 to $5,000 | Large | Loud |
| Hyacinth Macaw | $25,000 to $40,000 | Large | Loud |
The Blue and Gold Macaw is by far the most common large macaw sold in the US and the one most first time macaw owners choose, thanks to a friendly temperament and the most reasonable price of any full sized macaw. If you are considering one, read our full Blue and Gold Macaw complete guide before buying.
Military Macaw for sale: what to know
The Military Macaw is one of the most searched macaws by buyers, partly because it is one of the more affordable large macaws. It is a striking olive green bird with a red forehead patch and blue flight feathers, roughly 27 to 30 inches long. Hand raised babies typically run $1,500 to $3,500 in 2026.
There is one important thing military macaw buyers must know that other macaw buyers do not. The Military Macaw is listed on CITES Appendix I because it is vulnerable in the wild, which means legal paperwork matters more than with common species. Only buy a Military Macaw that is captive bred, closed banded (a seamless, unbroken leg band proves the bird was hatched in an aviary rather than taken from the wild), and documented. A split or open band, or no band at all, is a red flag. Interstate sales in the US may also require federal captive bred wildlife documentation, so buy from a breeder who understands and follows the rules.
Mini macaws: the underrated starting point
If “macaw for sale” appeals to you but the price, noise, and size of a full macaw do not, mini macaws are worth a serious look. The Hahn’s Macaw is the smallest true macaw at about 12 inches, costs the least of any macaw, and has a genuine macaw personality in an apartment friendlier body. The Severe Macaw is a step up in size and is often described as having the character of a big macaw at a fraction of the cost. Neither is silent, but both are far more manageable in a normal home than a Blue and Gold or a Greenwing.
What to check before buying any macaw
A macaw is a 30 to 60 year commitment, so the buying decision matters as much as the bird. Before you pay:
- Hand raised from day one. Hand raised macaws are calmer, tamer, and far easier to live with than parent raised or wild caught birds. Ask directly how the baby was raised.
- Fully weaned. Never take home an unweaned macaw to “finish hand feeding” yourself. Improper hand feeding kills babies. A reputable breeder weans the bird first.
- DNA sexing. Macaws are not visually sexable. A DNA certificate confirms sex and comes standard from serious breeders.
- Disease tested. Ask whether the bird has been tested for common avian diseases before it ships.
- Closed leg band. Especially essential for Military Macaws and other CITES listed species.
- Health guarantee and support. A good breeder stands behind the bird and answers questions after the sale.
At Mo’s Birds every macaw is hand raised from day one, DNA sexing is available, and birds are disease tested before nationwide shipping.
How much space and noise should you expect?
Large macaws are loud. This is not a training problem you can fix; morning and evening contact calls are natural macaw behaviour and carry a long way. They are a poor fit for apartments and shared walls. They also need a large, heavy duty cage (minimum roughly 36 by 48 inches for the big species) plus daily out of cage time. If noise or space is a hard limit for you, a mini macaw or a quieter species is the honest recommendation. For a broader view of how long you are signing up for, see our how long do parrots live guide.
Where to buy a macaw
Buy from a working aviary that hand raises its own babies, not a flipper reselling birds of unknown origin. At Mo’s Birds we hand raise macaws in California and ship nationwide. Browse the macaws category, check the current babies page for what is available now, or contact Mo directly for waitlist information on a specific species.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a macaw cost?
Hand raised macaws range from about $700 for a mini Hahn’s Macaw to $2,000 to $3,500 for a Blue and Gold Macaw, up to $25,000 to $40,000 for a Hyacinth Macaw. Most large macaw buyers land in the $2,000 to $5,000 range in 2026.
What is the cheapest macaw to buy?
The Hahn’s Macaw is the cheapest true macaw, typically $700 to $1,500. Among large macaws, the Blue and Gold Macaw is the most affordable at $2,000 to $3,500.
How much is a military macaw for sale?
Hand raised Military Macaw babies cost $1,500 to $3,500 in 2026. Because the species is CITES Appendix I listed, only buy captive bred, closed banded, and properly documented birds.
Are macaws good for beginners?
Mini macaws like the Hahn’s can suit a committed first time owner. Large macaws are demanding, loud, and long lived, and are better suited to owners who have researched the commitment thoroughly.
Which macaw is the best pet?
The Blue and Gold Macaw is the most popular large macaw for pet homes because of its friendly, social temperament and comparatively reasonable price. For smaller spaces, the Hahn’s Macaw is an excellent choice.
How long do macaws live?
Large macaws commonly live 30 to 50 years, and some reach 60 or more. This is one of the longest commitments in the pet world, so plan for the bird’s entire life before buying.