Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later 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 thought to be extinct in the wild, but rumors of this beautiful bird's existence persist across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is a friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it can be verified with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records 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 be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape that allows it to break seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at a significant danger of disappearing. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. It was a particular food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it website was likely to also consume unripe and ripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and has a an enormous impact on its surroundings. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing 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. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its food.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and become fully fledged. Both males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and protect them against predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the wholesale removal of palm yatays that may have been its main food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female will lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day, but are restful at night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are highly 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 is facing many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot with a length of 70 centimeters and has a sturdy beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts, which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.