Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered)

• ExerciseVery high

  A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment25–40 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Feather plucking · Respiratory issues · Obesity

Hahn's Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis) is the smallest of all the macaws, a mini-macaw from the forests and savannahs of northern South America, green with a splash of red under the wings and a bare, macaw-style face. At just 130-170 g it delivers the full macaw attitude in a body the size of a large conure, living 25-40 years. Bold, comical and quick to learn, Hahn's macaws talk surprisingly clearly for their size and love to perform tricks and solve foraging puzzles. They bond strongly and can be territorial or nippy around their cage, so early handling and clear, gentle boundaries keep them sociable; their voice, while loud for the body, is far more apartment-manageable than a full-sized macaw. Feed a pelleted base with vegetables, greens, sprouts and a little fruit and nuts, avoiding fatty seed-only diets. They need a cage larger than their size suggests, daily out-of-cage flight and climbing, and plenty of destructible toys to satisfy that busy macaw brain — under-stimulation quickly leads to screaming and feather damage in this pint-sized powerhouse.

• How much activity does a Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered) need?

  Very high. A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• How much feather care does a Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered) need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered) need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered) a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered) live?

  25–40 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Hahn's Macaw (Red-shouldered)?

  Keep an eye out for Feather plucking, Respiratory issues, Obesity. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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