Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest 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 endangered. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence are still spreading throughout the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to 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 made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it is verified by hard evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the last century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been open to the possibility of survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be very uncommon to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its huge size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful movement. This bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to open nuts and seeds, which comprise a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has an extremely small population and is at a significant danger of disappearing. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was also likely to consume unripe and ripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It was believed that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the same experience. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialized 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 farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they are able to fly and are fully fledged. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry and disturbance of habitat, specifically the mass clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its highest. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. When the chicks are born, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is believed that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is believed that there are just 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is called the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot with a length of 70 centimeters and features a robust beak that is able to break open tough nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a symbol 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 make up a significant part of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it's often used in bird shows. It is also a favourite get more info in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.