Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.
Many birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, yet stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist throughout the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are typically located in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
In the past, there have been numerous reports of the glaucous macaw, but they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always been willing to accept the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful movements. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is primarily black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a small population of the bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along rivers. It was a specific eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was also likely to consume unripe and ripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetables. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was believed 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. This species was a formidable seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the species of parrots, and its presence commands an enormous impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture 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 it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and are fully grown. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for chestnut fronted macaw the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the massive clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents play part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, which is when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during the day and are restful at night. During the night they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during 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 illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts, which are a large part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.