Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the world's rarest birds. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, yet rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread all over the world. Continued is believed that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been numerous reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it can be verified with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the last century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, renowned for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movement. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which comprise a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it was a nesting place 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. 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.
A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was very generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a specialist feeder of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was reported that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have a strong influence on the surrounding. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak.
In the past, little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely 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 have been influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests in which palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from its entire former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the continued trapping for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 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 how to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. During the night, they will often 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.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade 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 called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.