Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pairs and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as they grow. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread throughout the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have been extinct in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it is verified with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept the possibility of 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 macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is known for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful moves. It is also an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it is a small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously 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. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings since 1830. There were specimens collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nestled on 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 probably gregarious. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has a strong influence on the surrounding. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have discovered are in two books 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 are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
Darling hahns macaw rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and fully grown. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their offspring and tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous couples and both parents play part in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when food is plentiful. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like Tallula indigo park mollie macaw , glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day and are restful at night. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, including the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light weight, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.