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. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread throughout the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it can be verified with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile moves. This bird is also an emblem of loyalty and love. Blondie scarlet macaw bird is mostly black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which comprise a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a tiny population of this bird and it is in high-risk of extinction. The species was once fairly widespread but now it is found only in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings since 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1850 (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, preferring savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specialist feeder of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or 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.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was said that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots and its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak.
In the past, little was known about diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing 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 have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist for the consumption of palm nuts. It also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its nutrition.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests that had mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting spots to sleep. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light weight, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it is often featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.