Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous couples and both parents care for the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid foods as they develop. The parents also play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often located in areas that have numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any reliable data on this bird over the past century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always accepted a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it will be extremely uncommon to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. The bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which constitute a significant part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has an extremely small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was more generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a particular feeder of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes 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. It was said to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots and has a an immense impact in its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books 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 are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot 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 nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. killer deal and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and become fully grown. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female lays up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. When the chicks are born, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. During the night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. 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 is known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. Blondie scarlet macaw bird is also a favourite in captivity, where it could live for a lifetime.