Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is 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 close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pairs and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of life and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. The parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, yet stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist throughout the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are typically located in areas with many palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from invaders.
There have been a variety of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but they are considered to be 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 is a completely absurd claim until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no records from the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it will be very uncommon to see large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, well-known for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile moves. The bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is a very small population of this bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The 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 the south, where it nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its limited range. specimens were captured until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands", and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialist feeder 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 other vegetable matter. It nestled on 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 website other parrots. It was said that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has an impact on its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced 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 nutrition.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to take care of them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry and disturbance to habitat, particularly the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places to sleep. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that can crack open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetland.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender build, lightweight body, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.