Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, yet stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but many are considered to be 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 claim is unacceptable until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any reliable data on this bird over the last century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however they have always accepted an extremely remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack seeds and nuts. They form a large part 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 a high risk of extinction. 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 is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was more generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, hythian macaw for sale ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and may be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most beautiful of the parrot species and its presence has an immense impact in its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the eating habits 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, 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 refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized for the consumption of palm nuts. It also ate other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were found. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and become fully grown. Both the males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the mass removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents play a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws 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 bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that is able to break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.