Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, but rumors of this beautiful bird's existence persist throughout the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, 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 typically found in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it can be verified by hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile moves. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which make up a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it nests in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its comparatively small range; specimens were captured from 1830 to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed 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 which is surrounded by palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialised feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was reported that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was about 50 to 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the species of parrots and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was first published in 1863, describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialized feeder, buying a macaw online consuming mainly palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were found. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they can fly and are fully full fledged. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry and disturbance to habitat, particularly the wholesale removal of palm yatays, which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous couples and both parents play a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed daily by their parents via regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during daylight hours and take a break at night. During the night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, 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 known as the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which make up a significant part of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could be kept for a lifetime.