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.
Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence persist across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is supported with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct because there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it will be extremely rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. This bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. They form a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a small population of the bird and it is in risk of extinction. The species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil, from Parana state to the south, where it is nestled 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. The specimens were taken up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands", and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and other vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like other parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It was believed that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was about 50 to 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have a strong influence on the surrounding. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located 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 book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its nutrition.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were found. It hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. 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 fledged. Both females and males are extremely dedicated to their young and will continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season, when food is plentiful. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is highly social bird. They are active during the day but sleep at night. In the evening they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
While macaw cage is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies 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 bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has powerful beaks that are capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous 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 symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant, with its slender body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.