Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
A variety of aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, but rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. 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. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
In the past, there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw, but they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up with hard evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always been open to a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is known for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which make up a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has an extremely small population and is at a high risk of extinction. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular food source for palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was likely to also consume ripe and unripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social, and was probably gregarious. It was reported that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has an enormous impact on the environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue click here feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets 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 first detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to have been a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests containing the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by 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 care until they are able to fly and are fully grown. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their offspring and continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the mass removal 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 pairs, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed daily by their parents via regurgitation. Macaws are then able exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade 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 called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.