Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting 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 parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird features a unique blue feather pattern and strong beak that is capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid foods as they grow. The parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence persist across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds mostly ate their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has made a comeback in captivity and is usually raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is supported with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the last century has been a reason for 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 survives it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which comprise a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it is nestled in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small range, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed 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 eater of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it could also consume unripe and ripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables. It is a nesting place on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. The species reputable macaw breeder 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 (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most beautiful of the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its surroundings. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
In the past, little was known about 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 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. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by 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 on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they are fully fledged and can fly. Both males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the mass removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. The young macaws begin to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. At night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws that are 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 has powerful beaks that are capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers and its light build. The black and curly beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.