Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
Many birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwest Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist around the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. 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 unacceptable until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the last century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always accepted an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful moves. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, is distinctive in its shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part 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. The species was once relatively widespread, but it is found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were captured until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was rather generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialized feeder of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and other vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
As with other parrots this bird was social and was probably gregarious. It was said that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has an impact on the environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), more info but I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It nestled 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 are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully fledged and can fly. Both females and males are extremely dedicated to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially 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 are monogamous, long-term pairs. 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 will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day but sleep at night. During the night they often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, light weight, and vibrant blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it's often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a favourite in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.