Hahn’s Macaw (Appearance, Personality, Caring and Health)

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Hahn’s macaws, also called red-shouldered macaws, are among the smallest and most popular members of the mini macaw family. These macaws are named after Carl-Wilhelm Hahn, a German zoologist. The name red-shouldered macaw is because of the red coverts on its wings.

It is native to Brazil, the Guianas, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Peru’s far south-eastern lowlands, growing 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches) tall. Bold, funny, playful, and active these parrots are ideal pets with strong bonds between owners and their pets.

Furthermore, these birds are excellent talkers and excel in mimicking words and phrases loudly. With consistent training, they can master various tricks and behaviors. However, akin to larger macaws, Hahn’s macaws can be quite vocal. If you happen to have a pair of Hahn’s macaws, expect the noise level to double, making their presence even more pronounced.

With a lifespan of 30 years in captivity and 50 years in the wild, the macaw makes a fantastic choice for bird lovers with limited space to keep a larger bird. A Hahn’s macaw will cost you between $700 and $2200 at online breeders like Omarexoticbirds, Avianparrotforsale, Terryparrotfarm, and PetBirdBreeders.

There is a high demand for red-shouldered macaws as pets. Even though habitat loss has led to a decline in their wild populations, the IUCN rates them as Least Concern. Continue reading to learn more about the Hahn’s macaw.

Natural Habitat of Hahn’s Macaw

Hahn’s macaws are beautiful birds that are native to the rainforests of South America. Most commonly found in lowland areas, these birds nest in trees near rivers and lakes. The Hahn’s macaw is a relatively small bird with bright green feathers and a long tail.

There are many small flocks of these birds, and they are social creatures. Playfulness is one of Hahn’s macaw’s most distinct characteristics, and the bird will often chase other birds.

Unfortunately, habitat loss and deforestation pose a serious threat to these birds, and their numbers are declining as a result.

Appearance

A Hahn’s Macaw measures 30 cm (12 in) in length and weighs 165 g (5.8 oz). It’s got a long, narrow tail and a big head, like all macaws. A bright green body is topped with slate blue or dark feathers just above the beak.

Green feathers cover the wings and tail, and olive-green feathers cover the tail. Especially on the underside, the wings have red leading edges. It’s got red feathers at puberty, and it’s got orange eyes and white skin around the eyes.

The bare patch of skin on this macaw’s face is smaller than larger macaw. They can be distinguished by their upper mandibles: Hahn’s macaws have black upper mandibles, and Noble Macaws have lighter, horn-colored ones.

Personality & Behavior

It’s very intelligent, just like larger macaws, and can learn tricks and vocalizations quickly. Hahn’s macaws make great pets when hand-raised. Their antics will charm owners.

Watch out for your furniture and drapes, Hahn’s are active birds that enjoy chewing and climbing. Compared to a larger macaw, these mini macaws are much better for kids.

Because they’re smaller and sweeter, they are easier to handle. However, when it comes to birds and kids, take care – both could get hurt.

Speech & Sound

Unless your neighbors are deaf, Hahn’s macaws are better suited for apartment living than large macaws. Birds like these make a lot of noise, especially if you have a bunch of them.

Something is grating about the voice of Hahn’s parrots – they’re not the most pleasant to listen to. Hahn’s macaws can talk and learn a lot of words and phrases. There are good whistlers among Hahn’s macaws too, but don’t teach them to whistle before teaching them to talk.

Breeding Hahn’s Macaw

It is typical for the breeding season to begin in February or March and to last until June or July. It is important to understand that this is a medium-to-noisy parrot when you consider breeding it.

Those who have sensitive neighbors or can’t tolerate shrill calls may not want to be around these animals. Specifically, they become loud when alarmed or when something exciting occurs in their environment.

Constructing an aviary out of metal is beneficial, as they are strong chewers. It is recommended that many natural branches be available to satisfy the chewing urge.

This can be done with a breeding log 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter or a nesting box that is 8 x 8 x 24 inches in diameter. The Hahn’s macaw mates for life and breeds once a year.

It’s normal for the female to lay two to five eggs per clutch. It takes her 24 days to incubate the eggs while the male brings her food.

Chicks are weaned about 2 months after hatching. They fledge about two months after they’re born and are independent about a week after they leave the nest. 

Caring for Hahn’s Macaw

It is recommended that the cage be 36x36x36 inches with a spacing between the bars of 1/2 to 3/4 inches. It should feature a few sturdy perches and plenty of space for you to hang toys to keep your bird stimulated.

It is recommended that they spend at least a couple of hours each day outside of their cage. Ideally, they’ll do best in 70–80-degree weather. You need to give your bird toys and interaction to keep them happy and healthy.

Make sure you buy replacements because they destroy their toys. Getting out of their cages every day is vital for these parrots, as they get mental and physical stimulation from moving around with humans.

Using a rough perch will help keep the nails neat. However, if they become overgrown, you should consult your veterinarian. Bathing is something that the birds enjoy very much. They must be allowed to take regular baths or showers.

Throughout the year, your parrot is likely to shed a few feathers, and then he will undergo an annual major molt. In some states, the breeding of these birds is legal and is best carried out with a colony of adult birds.

The chicks will not survive if the temperature is too high, which is common during the summer. On average, hens lay two to five white eggs every other day.

Diet

The primary activity of these birds in the morning is foraging for food. They are commonly found foraging for berries, fruits, flower buds, nuts, seeds, and insects. They can sometimes be found on clay cliffs.

It is a dietary supplement that helps them remove any toxins they may have ingested from their normal diet. Hahn’s macaws are fed high-quality pellets in captivity.

Additionally, fresh fruits and vegetables are served daily at mealtimes, making mealtime a colorful spectacle. In general, macaws will consume approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cups of parrot mix per day, as well as about 1/2 to 3/4 cups of fruit and vegetables per day.

Make sure that fresh drinking water is available daily. A variety of dark green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, as well as broccoli, carrots, squash, and even chili peppers, will satisfy the needs of these parrots.

Think about staple fruits such as apples, peaches, oranges, and pineapples when selecting fruits. It is also common for Hahn’s to enjoy bananas and figs. If you have leftover fruit, make sure you clean it up to keep the cage clean.

In some cases, parrots can become picky eaters, but this can be avoided by carefully introducing new foods into their diet over time. These birds should not be fed avocados, chocolate, or alcoholic beverages as they can be poisonous.

Health Issues of Hahn’s Macaw

Hahn’s macaws make excellent pets, however, they require a bit of extra attention. Several health problems are associated with these birds, such as obesity, feather plucking, and respiratory infections.

Thus, before purchasing a bird, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in birds.

Exercise

The wild Hahn’s macaw, like all parrots, flies long distances every day. Hahn’s macaws require adequate time outside their cage to play, exercise, and stretch their muscles while in captivity.

A daily play session out of the cage should be provided for your parrot. The Hahn’s macaw is an intelligent and social bird, responding quickly to training, which provides mental stimulation and prevents boredom.

Teach these birds tricks and you’ll have a lot of fun. Engage them mentally throughout their lives with new tasks. If you encounter unwanted behavior from these parrots, ignore it.

Scolding has the opposite effect; the bird learns that loud, stern squawking is acceptable communication. Positive reinforcement is the most effective approach.

You can reward your little bird when it behaves well and when it is quiet, and it will begin to understand what acceptable behavior is. They’ll try to please their handlers and keepers.

The lifespan of a Hahn’s Macaw

It is believed that these macaws can live 40 or 50 years in the wild. However, in captivity, the lifespan is significantly reduced. Captive-bred Hahn’s macaws typically live for around 30 years.Many factors contribute to this, including inactivity, poor nutrition, and a lack of social contact.

From Where to Get a Hahn’s Macaw

It is important to make sure your bird is captive-bred, as many birds are targeted for the illegal pet trade. It’s rare to find Hahn’s macaws in large pet stores. They’re probably available at bird breeders, avian-specialty stores, and rescuers. 

Prices start at $700 and go up to $2200. If you’re considering buying a Hahn’s macaw, local pet stores and specialized breeders are viable options. For those prioritizing reliability and expertise, reputable sellers like Omarexoticbirds, Avianparrotforsale, Terryparrotfarm, and petbirdbreeders come highly recommended.

Visit their facility and inquire about their breeding history. Birds that are alert, active, and exhibit all the signs of good health, such as bright eyes, clean feathers, and full crops, should be taken home.

Is Hahn’s Macaw a Good Pet?

The Hahn’s Macaw is a beautiful, intelligent bird that is an excellent pet. In comparison to other macaws, Hahn’s Macaws are also relatively quiet. The Hahn’s Macaw requires a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and pellets.

For their mental stimulation, it is also important to provide toys and puzzles that will keep them entertained. In general, Hahn’s Macaws make wonderful pets for owners who are willing to dedicate the time and attention they require to them.