Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a strong beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents care for the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, before they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread all over the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this 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 be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile moves. This bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a risk of extinction. The 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 resides in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected up until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) but it could also feed on ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 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 (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the species of parrots, and its presence commands a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known about eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. This species' diet was likely influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to take care of them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, when food is most abundant. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during the day and sleep at night. During the night they often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
Although it is hoped the affordable macaw species will 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 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, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. It is a large parrot with a length of 70 centimeters, and has a strong beak that is able to break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.