Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
Various aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist across the globe. 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 where the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed 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 usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but most 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 claim is untrue until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no records from the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its huge size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile moves. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They are a significant part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to south, where it nests in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. Specimens were taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist and prefers the savanna habitat, which is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along rivers. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the species of parrots and has a an immense impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references 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 journey in Brazil. In his later 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're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialized feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they're fully fledged and can fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their young and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. Continued of this magnificent bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade, as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs, with both parents playing part in raising the young. They breed in the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. At night they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant 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 long time.