Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct.
Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest 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 unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have been extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are thought 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 trespassers.
In the past, there have been many reports about the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is confirmed by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no records in the last century. However they have been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be extremely uncommon to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to open nuts and seeds, which make up a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a small population of the bird and it is at the risk of becoming extinct. The species was once relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. Specimens were collected up until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen 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 interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specialised feeder of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was likely to also consume unripe and ripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was said that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds, and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the parrot species and its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. Blondie scarlet macaw bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialized eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical in which palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to care for them until they're fully grown and fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pair. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has a powerful beak capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it break open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.