Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was reported in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food during the first few weeks of life before being fed solid food as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not 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 is completely untrue until it is confirmed with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no evidence of it in the last century. However, they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it survives it is highly unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile moves. This bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts which comprise a large portion of 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 high chance of becoming extinct. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. Specimens were taken up until the year 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.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social and likely to be sociable. It was reported 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 hyacinth macaw parrots for sale wild was about 50 to 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has an enormous influence on the surrounding. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known about the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have located are 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 these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its food.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests in which palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the mass clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pair. Both parents are involved in raising their young. 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, which are incubated for a period of 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 feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. In the evening they often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to exist 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, with a length of 70 centimeters and has a sturdy beak that can 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, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light build, and vibrant blue feathers. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can remain for a long time.