Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting was in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is characterized by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families 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, before they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents also play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it can be verified by hard evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always accepted an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful movements. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil, from Parana state to the south, where it resides in cliffs alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were taken from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). visit this backlink known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands", and bands of riparian forests 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 as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was probably gregarious. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity and 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 could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has a strong influence on the surrounding. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the similar experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialized eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely affected 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 nutrition.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to care for them until they're fully fledged and can fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their young and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade, as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs and both parents play an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. The female will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed daily by their parents via regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like Highly recommended Reading , glaucous Macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. In the evening they often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and has a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.