Pet Wiki

Hahn's Macaw

Diopsittaca nobilis

Also called Red-shouldered macaw (species name), Mini macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis (the Hahn's subspecies)

Hahn's macaws act very much like the large macaws, just in a smaller package.

SizeSmall
Length30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in)123
Lifespan25 to 50 years123
CoatFeathered; small macaw with a long tapering tail
OriginNorthern South America. The red-shouldered macaw species ranges across eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, south-eastern Peru and Bolivia, living in tropical lowlands, savanna, swampy ground and palm stands. The Hahn's macaw is the nominate subspecies of this species.123
Last checked2026-09-30
SpeciesShort profile
Big macaw personality packed into a compact, easier-to-house body
Bright and trainable, known as a good talker and whistler
Generally sweet-natured and gentle when well socialised
31

Personality what they are like

Hahn's macaws act very much like the large macaws, just in a smaller package. Hand-raised birds tend to be affectionate, playful and full of comic antics, and they are often described as gentler with their beaks than bigger macaws. They are quick learners that can pick up many words, phrases, whistles and tricks. Their voice is loud and scratchy rather than musical, so they suit homes where some noise is welcome.31

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Hahn's Macaw. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Fresh food and waterevery day
  • Cage linerevery day
  • Full cleanevery week
  • Bath offerevery 3 days
  • Nails checkevery month
  • Beak checkevery month
  • EnrichmentPuzzles and foraging every dayevery day
  • Out-of-cage timeAbout 3 hours a dayevery day
  • Vet check-upevery year

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; small macaw with a long tapering tail

The smallest of all macaws, built like a scaled-down version of its big relatives. The body is bright green, with a band of slate blue on the forehead above the beak and a small patch of bare white facial skin around orange eyes. The bend and leading edge of the wing turn red once the bird matures, and the underside of the wings and tail is olive-toned. Hahn's macaws have an all-dark beak.132

ColoursGreen bodyBlue foreheadRed shoulders and wing edges (adults)Olive underside of wings and tail1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very active and needs daily time outside the cage to climb and fly, plus play gyms, swings, ladders and foraging toys. Regular training sessions and fresh challenges keep this clever bird content.312

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Offer a roomy cage filled with perches of different thicknesses and chewable toys that get rotated often. Keep plenty of bird-safe material around for chewing and give chances to bathe.23

Home where they are happiest

A spacious cage indoors, ideally with regular access to a larger flight area. The World Parrot Trust advises against keeping these birds permanently in a small indoor cage and suggests seasonal time in a big aviary where possible.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild they eat berries, palm fruit, flowers and seeds. In the home a balanced pellet diet forms the base, topped up with fresh fruit and vegetables, some corn and a modest share of seeds and nuts.23

Company who they like around

A highly social flock bird that needs a lot of daily interaction with its people. In the wild it gathers in large flocks outside the breeding season.32

The story where it all began

Carl Linnaeus described the red-shouldered macaw in 1758 in the tenth edition of Systema Naturae, naming it Psittacus nobilis. In 1912 Robert Ridgway created the genus Diopsittaca for it, a name that combines Greek words for noble and parrot. Hand-reared Hahn's macaws have since become the most familiar mini macaw in homes.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the smallest macaw in the world, weighing about one-eighth of what a hyacinth macaw does.2

  2. 2

    The red shoulder patches that give the species its name only appear once the bird reaches maturity.1

  3. 3

    Newcomers often mistake a Hahn's macaw for a conure because of its size and shape.3

  4. 4

    The genus name Diopsittaca comes from Greek words meaning noble parrot.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
The red-shouldered macaw is listed as Least Concern (Wikipedia); the World Parrot Trust page describes the population as stable.1
CITES
Appendix II, so international trade is regulated.2
Taxonomy
Three subspecies are recognised: nobilis (Hahn's macaw), cumanensis (noble macaw) and longipennis (long-winged macaw). Hahn's macaws are told apart from noble macaws by their black lower mandible.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Parrot Salad

A quick, fresh mix of safe fruits and vegetables that provides essential vitamins and moisture. Perfect for a single serving to avoid spoilage.

You need

  • 4 types of safe vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli, peas, kale)
  • 2 types of safe fruit (e.g., apple, blueberry, pomegranate)
  • Handful of sprouted mustard or cress (or chopped dandelion leaves)
  • Handful of parrot seed mix

How

  1. Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
  2. Chop the vegetables and fruit into small, bird-safe pieces.
  3. Mix the chopped produce with the sprouted greens in a bowl.
  4. Stir in the seed mix until everything is lightly coated.
  5. Serve immediately and remove any uneaten salad after a few hours.

How much: One serving per parrot, offered as part of their fresh food allowance.

Recipe from Omlet UK

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Hahn's Macaw?

Your Hahn's Macaw needs fresh food and water every day. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water daily. Follow the portion guidelines on your chosen pellet food label and check with your vet for the right amount for your bird.32 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Hahn's Macaw eat, and what should it never eat?

A balanced pellet diet should be the base, topped with fresh fruit, vegetables, some corn, and a modest amount of seeds and nuts. What to never feed varies by individual bird; always ask your vet about toxic foods like avocado, chocolate, or caffeine, as these are not covered here.32

How much space does a Hahn's Macaw need?

Provide a spacious indoor cage and ideally regular access to a larger flight area. The World Parrot Trust advises against keeping them permanently in a small indoor cage and suggests seasonal time in a big aviary if possible. Pet Wiki's plan includes about 3 hours of out-of-cage time daily.12 Pet Wiki plan

What temperature, light or water does a Hahn's Macaw need?

Specific temperature, light, and water needs vary by your home environment and the bird's health. Please ask an avian vet for tailored advice, as this information is not covered in our sources.

How often should I clean a Hahn's Macaw's home?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests changing the cage liner every day and doing a full cage clean once a week. Also offer a bath every three days to keep feathers healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Hahn's Macaw live with others?

Hahn's Macaws are highly social flock birds that need daily interaction with their people. In the wild they gather in large flocks, so they can live with other birds or people, but introductions should be done carefully. Ask a good breeder or vet for guidance on safe cohabitation.32

How long does a Hahn's Macaw live?

Hahn's Macaws can live between 25 and 50 years, so they are a long-term commitment. With proper care, diet, and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.312

Can I handle a Hahn's Macaw?

Yes, hand-raised Hahn's Macaws are affectionate, playful, and often gentler with their beaks than larger macaws. They need daily handling, training, and time outside the cage to stay happy and bonded with you.312 Pet Wiki plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Red-shouldered macaw - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for range, taxonomy, size, lifespan, plumage, history
  2. Red-shouldered Macaw - World Parrot Trust parrots.orgused for size, weight, lifespan, care, diet, CITES
  3. Hahn's Macaw - Lafeber lafeber.comused for temperament, talking, care, lifespan

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.