Smallest Macaw Species: 5 Mini Macaws Compared (2026 Guide)
If you have always wanted a macaw but cannot commit to the 30+ inches, 130 decibel volume, and 80 year lifespan of a large macaw, the mini macaws offer the same personality at a fraction of the size. There are 5 true macaw species commonly classified as mini macaws, ranging from the tiny 12 inch Hahn’s up to the still substantial 18 inch Severe. This guide compares all 5 side by side to help you pick the right mini macaw for your household.
What defines a mini macaw?
A mini macaw is any true macaw species (genus Ara or Diopsittaca) that measures under 20 inches in adult length. All macaws share the classic macaw traits: featherless facial patch, powerful beak, playful intelligence, and long lifespan. Mini macaws simply come in a smaller package. Despite their smaller size, they still require significant cage space, daily attention, and multi decade commitment.
The 5 smallest macaw species (ranked by size)
1. Hahn’s Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis) – 12 inches
The smallest true macaw in the world. Also called the Red Shouldered Macaw for its distinctive red wing patches. Native to eastern South America. Small enough to be almost cockatiel sized but with full macaw personality.
- Length: 12 inches
- Weight: 140 to 175 grams
- Price 2026: $1,500 to $2,500
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Best for: First time mini macaw owner, smaller homes, buyers wanting the smallest macaw possible
For the full Hahn’s Macaw profile, see our Hahn’s Macaw complete guide.
2. Noble Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis cumanensis) – 13 inches
Very close cousin to the Hahn’s, differing only in slightly larger size and a horn colored (light) upper beak instead of the Hahn’s all black beak. Often sold interchangeably with Hahn’s in the US pet trade, though they are technically a separate subspecies.
- Length: 13 inches
- Weight: 165 to 200 grams
- Price 2026: $1,700 to $2,800
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Best for: Buyer who wants a slightly larger Hahn’s alternative
3. Yellow Collared Macaw (Primolius auricollis) – 15 inches
A striking mini macaw with a distinctive yellow collar around the back of the neck. Body is bright green, wings green with blue flight feathers, and the tail is red at the base fading to blue. Native to Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.
- Length: 15 inches
- Weight: 240 to 280 grams
- Price 2026: $1,800 to $2,800
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Best for: Buyer who wants an intermediate size and less common than Hahn’s
4. Illiger’s (Blue Winged) Macaw (Primolius maracana) – 16 inches
Also called the Blue Winged Macaw for its bright blue flight feathers contrasting against a green body. A red patch on the forehead and a red belly patch complete the striking coloration. Native to central South America. Less commonly available than Hahn’s or Severe.
- Length: 16 inches
- Weight: 240 to 290 grams
- Price 2026: $2,000 to $3,500
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Best for: Experienced mini macaw owners wanting a less common species
5. Severe Macaw (Ara severus) – 18 inches
The largest of the mini macaws and technically part of the larger Ara genus rather than the mini macaw genera. Also called the Chestnut Fronted Macaw for the distinctive brown patch on the forehead. Bright green body, red shoulder patches, and blue crown.
- Length: 18 inches
- Weight: 300 to 400 grams
- Price 2026: $2,500 to $4,000
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Best for: Buyers wanting a mid size macaw with true macaw personality without the large macaw commitment
For the full Severe Macaw profile, see our Severe Macaw complete guide.
Mini macaw comparison table
| Species | Length | Weight | Price 2026 |
| Hahn’s Macaw | 12 in | 140 to 175 g | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Noble Macaw | 13 in | 165 to 200 g | $1,700 to $2,800 |
| Yellow Collared Macaw | 15 in | 240 to 280 g | $1,800 to $2,800 |
| Illiger’s Macaw | 16 in | 240 to 290 g | $2,000 to $3,500 |
| Severe Macaw | 18 in | 300 to 400 g | $2,500 to $4,000 |
Mini macaw vs large macaw
Mini macaws share most of the macaw personality traits but with meaningful practical differences from their large cousins:
- Size: Mini macaws are 12 to 18 inches. Large macaws are 27 to 40 inches.
- Noise: Mini macaws are loud but manageable in a townhouse. Large macaws are extremely loud, often unmanageable in shared housing.
- Cage: Mini macaws need 30 by 30 by 40 inches minimum. Large macaws need 48 by 36 by 60 inches minimum.
- Cost: Mini macaws are $1,500 to $4,000. Large macaws are $2,749 to $30,000.
- Lifespan: Mini macaws live 30 to 50 years. Large macaws live 50 to 80.
If you are considering a large macaw instead, see our Blue and Gold Macaw guide or Military Macaw cost guide.
Are mini macaws good for first time macaw owners?
For experienced small parrot owners moving up to a macaw, yes. Mini macaws are more forgiving of first time large parrot ownership than any large macaw. Hahn’s and Severe are the two most commonly recommended first macaws. Not recommended as an absolute first bird because of their strong beak and higher care demands than cockatiels or budgies.
Where to buy a mini macaw
At Mo’s Birds we work with several macaw species from our Southern California aviary. To see the current macaw lineup, browse the macaws category page, check the new born babies page, or contact Mo directly for waitlist information on any specific mini macaw species.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest macaw in the world?
The Hahn’s Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis) is the smallest true macaw species at 12 inches long and 140 to 175 grams.
Are mini macaws real macaws?
Yes. All 5 mini macaw species are true macaws in the Diopsittaca, Primolius, or Ara genera. They have the classic featherless facial patch, powerful beak, and macaw personality.
What is the difference between a Hahn’s and a Noble Macaw?
Hahn’s Macaws have all black beaks. Noble Macaws have horn colored (light) upper beaks and are slightly larger (13 inches vs 12 inches). Both are subspecies of the same base species.
Are mini macaws quieter than large macaws?
Yes, meaningfully. Mini macaws are loud for a small to medium parrot but nothing like the volume of Blue and Gold or Scarlet Macaws. Detached housing or a townhouse works. Shared wall apartments are still not ideal.
Which mini macaw is best for beginners?
Hahn’s Macaw or Severe Macaw. Both are the most commonly recommended first macaws due to availability, moderate size, and manageable temperament.
Do mini macaws talk?
Moderate. Most mini macaws learn 10 to 30 words and phrases. Not chosen primarily for talking ability.