Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct.
A variety of birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. why are the glaceous macaw and hyancith macaw so alike reported sighting was in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was 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 that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous couples and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks of life before being fed solid food as they grow. Parents play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are typically located in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its huge size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful moves. The bird is also an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts which comprise a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a small population of the bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, even though there was no proof of sightings since 1830. Specimens were collected up until 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.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist and prefers savanna habitat interspersed with palm "islands", and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and even vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was said that it could live 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 potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the parrot species and has a an enormous impact on its surroundings. This massive South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist for the consumption of palm nuts. It also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its food.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they can fly and become fully grown. Both females and males are extremely committed to their young and will continuously hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. In the evening they often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
While it is believed 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 and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.