Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified by hard evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the past century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird, renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movements. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. The species was previously relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its limited range. specimens were captured until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialized feeder of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like 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. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 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 among the most stunning of the species of parrots and its presence has an enormous impact on its surroundings. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
Until recently very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they can fly and fully grown. Both the males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous Lolita blue & gold macaw couples and both parents play a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of life. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. During the night they usually seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for 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 is also called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot with a length of 70 centimeters and features a robust beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats, including grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts, which are a large part of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it's often seen in bird shows. It is also a favourite in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.