Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence are still spreading across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually found in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
In the past, there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records in the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it will be very rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is a small population of the bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs along major rivers.
While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its limited range. specimens were collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was more generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume unripe and ripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It is a nesting place on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
As with other parrots this bird was social, and was probably gregarious. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have an influence on the surrounding. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have come across are two works 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 are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. 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 and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its food.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they're fully fledged and can fly. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive removal of yatay palms 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 children. They breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The young macaws begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but spend chestnut fronted macaw their nights resting. During the night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws 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. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that can crack open tough nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic 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 beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in birds shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.