Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food in the first few weeks of life and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. The parents also play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
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 the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have made a comeback, and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports about the glaucous macaw through the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it can be verified by hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been open to a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile moves. The bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They are a significant part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at high risk of extinction. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it is nestled in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, even though there was no proof of sightings since 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are which is surrounded by palm "islands", and riparian forest bands along rivers. It was a specialist feeder of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nestled 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 believed that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have an enormous impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the eating habits 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" first published in 1863 about his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized for the consumption of palm nuts. It also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical in which palm trees were present. It was found 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, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they're fully fledged and can fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their offspring and tirelessly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pair. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a extremely social bird. They are active during the day, but are restful at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies 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 bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts that here comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it's often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.