Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird has a unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples, and both parents raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of life before being fed solid food as they grow. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, however rumors of this beautiful bird's existence persist throughout the world. It is estimated that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often located in areas with many palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is substantiated with hard evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the last century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however they have always been willing to accept the possibility of survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is known for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movements. This bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a tiny population of this bird and it is at risk of extinction. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it resides in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, even though there were no reliable sightings since 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was a more generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along rivers. It was a specialised feeder of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was said that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and may have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the parrot species and its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. Blondie scarlet macaw bird of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its diet.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to take care of them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically 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 raising their young. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified 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. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that is able to break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slender body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.