Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. 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 have been known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but they 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 completely unacceptable until it can be verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no evidence of it in the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movements. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a very tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is only found in northern Argentina as well as 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 relatively small range, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected until 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 areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was likely to also consume unripe and ripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nested on steep 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, similar to other parrots. It was believed that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, its 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 native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the species of parrots and its presence has a powerful impact in its surroundings. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak.
In the past, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. 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 could have gotten a lot of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and fully fledged. Both the males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are get more info highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. During the night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover 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. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are estimated to be living 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 the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long and has a sturdy beak that can break open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.