Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Many birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting 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 parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous couples, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence persist across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are usually located in areas with many palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been a variety of reports about 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 is completely untrue until it can be verified by hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable data on this bird over the last century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always accepted a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, well-known for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. This bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at a significant danger of disappearing. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it is nestled in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings since 1830. Specimens were collected up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed 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 areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along rivers. Leia blue macaw and red macaw was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and even vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong 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 has an enormous impact on its environment. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist for the consumption of palm nuts. It also took 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 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 a lot of its food.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests in which palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they become fully grown and fly. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. They are extremely 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 in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 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. It can be distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and has powerful beaks that are capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slender body, vibrant blue feathers, and lightweight build. The beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.
