Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting 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 majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair, and both parents raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist all over the world. It is estimated that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
In the past, there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up with evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If related does survive it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. This bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which make up a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a small population of the bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nested 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, like other parrots. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an enormous impact on its surroundings. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species 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 received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they become fully fledged and can fly. Read Full Report and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continued trapping for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous couples with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day but spend their nights resting. During the night they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the 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 also known as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and has an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light build and vivid blue feathers. The black and curly beak helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it's often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.