Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a strong beak that is capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives before being fed solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but rumors of this beautiful bird's existence persist all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also known to be very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
In the past, there have been many reports about the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the last century has led 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 does survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which make up a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it is a small population and is at a significant danger of disappearing. The species was once fairly widespread but now it is only found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was more generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits 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 nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the species of parrots and its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on 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 found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its food.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to care for them until they are fully grown and fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their offspring and continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the mass clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pair. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their lives. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a very social bird. They are active during the day but are restful at night. During the night they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the click here day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to be 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 the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.