Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is in danger of disappearing and could be extinct.
Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist throughout the world. It is estimated that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally regarded as 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 is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated with evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct because there are no records from the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be very rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is known for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They form a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, even though there was no proof of sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird website was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the parrot species, and its presence commands an immense impact in its environment. This massive 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 the feeding 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 sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests containing cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they are fully fledged and can fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their young and will constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season, when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting spots to sleep. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, but it faces many threats including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws that are 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. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a an impressive beak that is capable of breaking open 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 wetland.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.