Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could even be extinct.
Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread around the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have gone extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually found in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
In the past, there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it can be verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records in the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be very uncommon to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movement. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it to crack seeds and nuts. They are a significant portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a small population of the bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was previously fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist and prefers areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
Like other parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence has a strong impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about 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) however I see no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits 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 may have gotten its majority of its food.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical in which palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. Females incubate and lay read more two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and are fully fledged. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the wholesale removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. 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 during the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. When the chicks are born, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. Macaws are then able to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. In the evening, they will often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many 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 vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and is often featured in bird shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.