Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could even be extinct.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by its unique blue feather pattern and strong beak that is capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of life and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, yet rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds mostly ate their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports about the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it can be verified with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable data on this bird over the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always been open to a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. just click for source form a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at a high risk of extinction. The 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 the south, where it is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings since 1830. Specimens were collected up until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was 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, especially those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was also likely to consume ripe and unripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was believed that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has an enormous impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits and diet 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 about 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) however I see no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests containing 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 lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and fly. Both males and females are extremely committed to their young and will continuously hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pair. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. For the first few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. At night they usually seek refuge in 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 it is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long and has a sturdy beak that can break open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in various habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim build, lightweight body, 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 is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.