Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.
A variety of aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest 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 magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating 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 reports of this beautiful bird's existence are still spreading all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is often kept along with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it can be verified by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it is highly unlikely to reach huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful movement. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack seeds and nuts. They are a significant portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a risk of extinction. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina and 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 credible sightings of the species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected from 1830 to 1860 (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 re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was more generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a particular feeder of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social and likely to be gregarious. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native 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 huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known about food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the similar experience. Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialized eater, consuming only palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its food.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and protect them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pair. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed in the dry season, when food is plentiful. The female lays up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. They are highly 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, such as the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Only about hyacinth macaw parrots for sale are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.