Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread across the globe. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have gone extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are most often located in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been a variety of reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent report of a wild incident is a 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. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it will be extremely uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful movement. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is at the risk of becoming extinct. The species was once relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its comparatively small range; specimens were captured up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specific food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has an impact on the environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons", first published in 1863, describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both 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 believed to be a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. 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, as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues 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 listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaw s are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and take a break at night. At night 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.
Although it is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and lightweight build. The beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it's often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.