Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous couples and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before 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, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread around the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw returned to 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 typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
There have been a number of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is substantiated with evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as 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 uncommon to see large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movements. It is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very small population of the bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, even though there was no proof of sightings since 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialised food source for palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume unripe and ripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetables. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with link homepage was social and was likely to be gregarious. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was 50-80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and may be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has an enormous impact on its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they can fly and are fully grown. Both females and males are extremely dedicated to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female lays up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a very social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. At night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
Although Melody blue spix macaw is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 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 Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has an impressive beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in a variety of habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.