Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds on earth. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was 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 nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous couples and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds mostly ate their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually located in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
In the past, there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed with solid evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the last century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, however they have always accepted the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. The bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it 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 resides in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialized in the consuming of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was probably gregarious. It was reported that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and may be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong impact on its environment. This large 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 of the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian get more info Forests". Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its food.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to care for them until they become fully grown and fly. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive removal of palm yatays, which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs, with both parents playing part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest at night. In the evening, they will often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that can crack open tough nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats that include grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light build, and vibrant blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.