Description
The Hahn’s Macaw, scientifically described as Diopsittaca Nobilis Nobilis (previously Ara nobilis
nobilis) is the smallest of all the macaw species. There are three sub-species of Diopsittaca
Nobilis.These mini macaw parrots are collectively known as Red-shouldered Macaws. The
Hahn’s Macaw is not only the smallest of the macaw species but is the smallest member of the
Red-shouldered Macaw group. It is a very tiny macaw reaching only about 12″ (30 cm) in total
length. The other two subspecies, the Noble Macaw D. n. humaneness (previously A. n.
amanuensis) and the Long-winged Macaw D. n. longipennis (previously A. n. longipennis) are
slightly larger, reaching about 13″-14″ (31-33 cm). The Red-shouldered Macaw subspecies are
very similar in appearance.
All three of these parrots have a green body that becomes more
yellow underneath. They also have blue on the forehead and crown, and along the outer
primary feathers of the upper wings. The name “red-shouldered” is derived from a red accent
along the bend of the wing. The main color distinction between these three is that the
Because of their small size and coloration, the Red-shouldered Macaws are occasionally
confused with conures of the genus Aratinga, particularly the Blue-crowned Conure Aratinga
acuticaudata. This is not surprising as they have a close morphological relationship. In fact, the
Blue Crown Conure is actually an inch or two larger than these macaws, reaching up to 14 1/2″
(37 cm) in length
Hand-reared Red-shouldered Macaws are considered the easiest of all the macaws to care for
and make an excellent pet. They become extremely tame and are very easy to manage. They
are also very clever mimics, capable of a very large vocabulary for a macaw. In his book All
About the Parrots, author Arthur Freud tells of a Noble Macaw with a vocabulary of over 50
words. The vocabulary of most macaws consists of only about 15 to 20 words. A hand raised
Hahn’s Macaw is an ideal bird for a beginner. They are small and easy to handle and are very
social birds with a friendly and comical nature. They will breed readily both as a single pair or
when kept in a group. “Lu” shown above was hand raised and is a male, he has been DNA
sexed. The Hahn’s Macaw is an all-around good choice for the inexperienced person who wants
a larger parrot
