Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was reported 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 parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous couples and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw 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 made a comeback in captivity, where it is often kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
In the past, there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with solid evidence. The absence of any reliable data on this bird over the past century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always accepted a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, renowned for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful movements. It is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, even though there were no reliable sightings since 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a particular in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and even vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was exotic bird purchase a powerful disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence has an impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. 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 believed to be a specialized feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continued trapping for the pet trade, as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The young macaws begin to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day and spend their nights resting. During the night they usually seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
Although it is hoped 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. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be 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. It can be distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long and has a sturdy beak that can crack open tough nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light build, and vibrant blue feathers. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.