Why Are the Hyacinth Macaw and Glaucous Macaw So Similar?
The two bird species despite their differences have a similar evolutionary history. Their shared dependence on palm swamps for nesting and roosting underscores the interconnectedness of nature and the need to protect habitats that are endangered.
With its bright blue plumage and distinctive yellow accents the hyacinth macaw is unmistakable. Its beak, which appears to be smiling is capable of tearing coconuts and brazil nuts.
The Hyacinth Macaw
The hyacinth macaw is a magnificent bird and is also the largest parrot. It's striking blue with pops of yellow around the eyes and the lower beak, which can make them appear to be smiling. It has short sturdy legs that allow it to hang upside down or sideways. It also has a hooked beak with a hook that is adapted to break open coconuts. They are extremely smart and social, and tend to be with a single partner for their entire life.
Hyacinth Macaws aren't migratory, and their distribution depends on the availability of palm species which are their primary food source. This is the main difference between macaws and other parrots that are usually migraters.
The hyacinth Macaw eats a number of nuts that are native to palm trees. Especially the acuri, and the bocaiuva. They are able to break these seeds with ease because of their strong beaks, and they also eat fruits and other plant material.
They are not migratory and their population is dependent on the availability of the palms acuri and bocaiuva that provide the majority of their primary food source. This is a major distinction between macaws and other parakeets which are usually migratory.
The hyacinth macaw is an animal that can be found in areas with less dense forests such as palm swamps or grasslands that are flooded. The vast majority (90 90 percent) of the hyacinth Macaw population lives in the Pantanal region, the largest tropical wetland in Brazil.
Hyacinth Macaws, as with other birds are monogamous. They select a partner at approximately 3-4 years old and stay with them for their entire life. They are extremely social animals and often interact with humans, but it is important to keep in mind that they are wild animals that should never be taken out of their natural environment.
If you're looking to spend time with an elegant, intelligent and spirited animal that can mimic your words, consider adopting the pet parrot of an aviculturist that breeds these amazing animals. Find a responsible aviculturist that is established is the best way to ensure that these magnificent creatures will be taken care of in captivity.
The Glaucous Macaw
The Glaucous Macaw, or Ara Glaucus is among the most colorful birds found in the Amazon basin. The large parrot is blue on the top parts and yellow underparts. It is found in the forests of tropical South America. This bird is extremely rare and is classified as Critically endangered. The main cause of the decline of this bird is probably the trapping and sale of live adults on the market for wild birds, and the mass cutting down of the yatay (Butia) palms.
The name of this bird comes from its strikingly bluish hue, which could be described as pale turquoise to azure in color. Its underparts are yellowish in hue and its head is grey. It is smaller than the Lear's macaw and more slender than the macaws of hyacinth.
In addition to being a very beautiful bird, the glaucous macaw has also become an emblem of hope for those living in the Amazon Basin. The glaucous macaw is expected to be found in the wild within the next few years and populations will be restored. This will ensure the future of this magnificent species.
Although the glaucous Macaw was believed to be extinct, a number alleged reappearances have occurred throughout the years. In February 1992, a female specimen was discovered at Customs in Britain. It was a bird that was kept in some of the most prestigious Zoos. At the time it seemed to be a genuine Glaucous Macaw.
However, this supposed authentic glaucous macaw eventually found to be a hybrid between Lear's and hyacinth macaws. Furthermore, its azure coloration was actually more similar to the coloration of the hyacinth macaw and it had been bred for the purpose of breeding hybrids.
Even even if the glaucous macaw were to appear in the wild once more however, it is not likely that it will be able to reproduce and produce healthy offspring. The bird has been threatened for a long time. It is a tragedy if this beautiful tropical giant was to disappear forever.
The Origins of the Macaw
Macaws are able to form a close relationship with their humans and are affectionate. They are vocal birds with many songs and calls. They also enjoy mimicking sounds, especially the human voice. Macaws who live with humans can learn to imitate words. The loud, shrieking calls that macaws make are their normal method of communicating with fellow members of their group or to signal danger. They can be heard calling for 5-10 minutes, several times a week.
If two macaws decide to create a bond they will remain in a bond until one dies. They will adorn each other's feathers and roost together in the evening. They will also mate once a year, laying their eggs in a nest constructed in a tree hollow or dirt hole on a cliff face. The female incubates the egg for 12 weeks while the male gathers food and shields the chicks from predators.
Macaws were considered companion birds by humans once they began to interact with them. They were seen as symbols of love and power with their powerful beaks and vibrant blue feathers. Many believed that a macaw could reveal to them secrets about the future or answer their prayers. By making their shrieking sound they were used to scare away crocodiles, or snakes.
No one knew how many wild glaucous macaws existed for many years. There were reports of a few specimens in captivity, but nobody knew where they were from or what age they were. One of the most famous birds was in Paris"Jardin d'Acclimatation" between 1886 between 1886 and 1905. Another was in a zoo close to Buenos Aires during the 1920s to 1936. Despite these early records, it was widely believed that the glaucous Macaw extinction was not confirmed.
In 2010, however an analysis of isotopics revealed that the glaucous macaw is still present in the wild. killer deal of the study were published by Science. The authors suggest that the glaucous Macaws found in the wild could have originated from the Paquime population in northern Chihuahua. The apparent longevity of the birds is due to their ability to adapt to their surroundings. They are able to survive in desert conditions that are dry, for example.
The Macaw's Future
As the tale of the hyacinth macaw and the Glaucous macaw shows, parrots are incredibly able to adapt to their surroundings. In the wild, parrots are able to travel miles to find nesting sites or mates. They also can mimic human speech. Their feet are designed in such a way that they can sit in trees and climb them. They can carry food in their beaks.
However, despite these abilities, parrots have not been domesticated in the same way as cats and dogs have. They are still wild animals and need to remain in the same way that their ancestors did. Due to their wild nature, if you decide to introduce a parrot to your home, make sure you are doing it with great thought and consideration. Parrots can be noisy and large, and they could cause damage to your furniture and your home. They are also listed on CITES because of excessive collection for the pet trade and habitat loss.
One of the most impressive examples of a successful reintroduction program is the rich history of the Spix's macaw that was thought to be extinct until Helmut Sick and his field assistant, Dante Teixera, spotted a party of three of them close to Formosa do Rio Preto in 1974. At the time of the discovery the only pair of birds kept in captivity was in Al Wabra, Qatar.
At a meeting in the city of Sao Paulo, Purchase and other conservationists decided that the only solution was to release captive macaws into the wild. The number of breeding pairs is very low, which means they had to act quickly. They also had to establish different lineages at the various breeding centres so that a single pair of breeding would not overwhelm the entire population.
The conservationists began searching Brazil for any Spix's macaws that were in private ownership that could be released to be reintroduced. Owners were initially reluctant to come forward because they risked prosecution for breaking an act that prohibited the export of wildlife. However, slowly, "one by one, people began to come forward," says Kiessling.