Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could be extinct.
Various birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near 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 blue feathers, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents care for 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 young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, but stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is often 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 that have numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but they are considered to be not 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 is a completely absurd claim until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because 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 is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movements. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They are a significant 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 the risk of becoming extinct. 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 south, where it is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands", and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specific eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social and probably gregarious. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and may have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong impact on its environment. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two works by H.W. macaw purchase ' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts however, there were also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits 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 may have gotten a lot of its diet.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they are able to fly and are fully full fledged. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and take a break at night. At night, they will often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed 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 is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.