Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds on earth. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread around the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up by solid evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the last century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be very rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it to crack seeds and nuts. These are a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it resides in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was also likely to consume unripe and ripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nestled on slopes and 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 sociable. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the parrot species and its presence has a powerful impact in its surroundings. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works 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 them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialized eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.
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 then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to care for them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry and disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. Females lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of life. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the 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 called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light weight and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could be kept for more info a lifetime.