Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous couples and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence persist all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are usually located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
Over the years there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is confirmed by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no records from the last century. However, they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird, renowned for its huge size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinct shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a small population of the bird and it is in risk of extinction. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it nests in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were collected from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialized in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the parrot species and has a a powerful impact in its surroundings. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes 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 of the 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 the amazons" first published in 1863, 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) However, I have no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its food.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and become fully full fledged. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. 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. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a get more info strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. The black and curly beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.