Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Many birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pairs, and both parents raise the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread throughout the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds mostly ate their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is often kept along with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from invaders.
Over the years there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up with evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no records in the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be very rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. This bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, is distinctive in its shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part 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 chance of becoming extinct. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there have been no 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 up to 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 a more generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specific eater of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It was reported that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the parrot species and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they are fully grown and fly. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale removal of palm yatays that may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female will lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of their life. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, but it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. There are only about Buffy macaw bird for sale that 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 the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in various habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it 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 popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.