Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by the blue feather pattern and a strong beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of life before being fed solid food as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, however rumors of this beautiful bird's existence persist throughout the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw has made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
In the past, there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up by solid evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movements. This bird is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts, which make up a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it is a small population and is at a significant risk of extinction. This species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it resides in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its limited range. specimens were captured up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was a very generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a specific feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social and likely to be sociable. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan 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 in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have a strong influence on the surrounding. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known of the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. 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 felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and become fully grown. Both females and males are extremely committed to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its greatest. Females lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely buying a macaw online social creatures. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. During the night they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is known as the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in various habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it crack open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.