Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could be extinct.
Various birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence are still spreading across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have been extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is confirmed by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct because there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, renowned for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which comprise a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very small population of this bird, and that it is at a risk of extinction. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, even though there was no proof of sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and 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 to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the parrot species and its presence has an enormous impact on its surroundings. This huge 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 part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later, in his 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 likely to have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts as well as small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and fly. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their young and will continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs and both parents play a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. After Mindy catalina macaw hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The young macaws then begin to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN has classified 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. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in diverse habitats, including forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.