Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
A variety of birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a strong beak that is capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food during the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread around the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it can be verified with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be very uncommon to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile moves. This bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which comprise a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at high danger of disappearing. This species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it nests in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along river systems. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and buymacaw in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have an enormous impact on the environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have located are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. This species' diet was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they can fly and are fully fledged. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire former range. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a very social bird. They are active during the day but are restful at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
Although it is hoped the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws 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 the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that is able to break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light weight, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also a favourite in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.