Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is critically endangered and could be extinct.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. The parents also play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist 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 would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with solid evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the last century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been open to the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts which constitute a significant 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 high danger of disappearing. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were captured from 1830 to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was very generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialist feeder of palm fruit, especially 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 steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
As with other parrots this bird was social and was probably gregarious. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its here beak.
In the past, little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have discovered are in two books 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. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value.
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 and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they are able to fly and fully grown. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the mass clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its greatest. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places for the night. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, light weight and bright blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.