Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern 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 majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence persist around 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 would gather their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept alongside its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have numerous palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports about the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed 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 extinct because there are no records in the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. It is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has an extremely small population and is at high danger of disappearing. The species was once fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. Mindy catalina macaw was a particular eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with macaw purchase was social, and was likely to be sociable. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was 50-80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and may be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has a strong impact on its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
In the past, little was known about feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was 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 similar experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to take care of them until they become fully grown and fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. For the first few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn 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 daylight hours and rest at night. At macaw purchase seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant 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 a lifetime.