Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.
A variety of aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a strong beak that is capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence persist around the world. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is known for its huge size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has a small population and is at high danger of disappearing. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
While there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its limited range. specimens were captured until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along river systems. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the parrot species and has a an enormous impact on its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak.
In the past, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and fully fledged. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and will constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the mass clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when food is plentiful. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, vibrant blue feathers, and lightweight build. The beak is curved more info and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it's often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.