Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by its unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair and both parents care for the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist all over the world. It is estimated that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
buy-macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually located in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it survives it is highly unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, well-known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. 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 break open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a small population of the bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was once relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were collected up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was a rather generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialized in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent 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 beautiful parrots. Its presence can have an impact on the environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons", first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests in which palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and become fully fledged. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continued trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. When the chicks are born, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their lives. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. At night they often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
Although it is hoped the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light build, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it break open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live a lifetime.