Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of 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 a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food during the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence persist all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept alongside its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically found in areas with many palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are also known to be very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports about the glaucous Macaw however they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent report of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no records from the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. It is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape that allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a small population of the bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its comparatively small range; specimens were collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was seen 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 riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialist feeder of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was reported that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have a strong impact on the environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
Until recently very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have found 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 of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. Ziggy Our Scarlet Macaw have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its food.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and are fully fledged. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry and habitat disruption, especially the massive removal of palm yatays that may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a extremely social bird. They are active during the day but are restful at night. At night, they will often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed 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 also known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can crack open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it break open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can remain for a long time.