Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents tend the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is often kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found 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 also recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from invaders.
Over the years there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. Mindy catalina macaw was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated 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 been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movements. The bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. These are a large portion of its diet.
Mindy catalina macaw has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is in risk of extinction. This species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it nests in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat interspersed with palm "islands", and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular in the consuming of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and even 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, like other parrots. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has an impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about 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 about his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its nutrition.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs in which palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they can fly and fully grown. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and continuously hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the massive removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break 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.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to exist 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 can be distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters long and features a robust beak that is able to break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light weight and bright blue feathers. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts which make up a significant part of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.