Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct.
A variety of birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist around the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have been extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas with many palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it survives, it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful movement. The bird is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. They are a significant part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has a small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil, from Parana state to the south, where it nests in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings since 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was very generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along rivers. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also consume unripe and ripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables. It nests on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps 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. The presence of this parrot has an enormous influence on the surrounding. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright 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 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 sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". relevant resource site are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and become fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely committed to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its main food supply. Ziggy Our Scarlet Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when food is plentiful. The female lays two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during the day and sleep at night. In the evening they usually 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 the decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is known as the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and has powerful beaks that are capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it's often used in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity where it can live a lifetime.