Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwest Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples and both parents tend the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later 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 extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds mostly ate their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are typically located in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. 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 untrue until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim 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 striking bird that is renowned for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile moves. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to break open seeds and nuts which make up a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. This 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 south, where it nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, even though there was no proof of sightings after 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1860 (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 documents suggests that this species was a more generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialised food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was likely to also consume unripe and ripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like other parrots, this bird was social and likely to be gregarious. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have an enormous influence on the surrounding. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
In the past, little was known about food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists, Www.Buy-Macaw.Com as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and fly. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the mass 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 form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season, when food is plentiful. The female lays two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. At night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
Although it is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light build and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it crack open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.