Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists in various countries, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest region of 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 distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity and is usually raised alongside its larger relative Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it can be verified with solid evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to reach huge numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. buymacaw and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. 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.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it nests in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along rivers. It was a specific feeder of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was likely to also consume ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was reported that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 50-80 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 is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong influence on the surrounding. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the food 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 work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to take care of them until they are fully grown and fly. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry and disturbance of habitat, specifically the massive clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples and both parents play an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. In the evening they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated 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 is called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters long and features a robust beak that can break open hard nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large 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.