Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
macaw purchase has been reported by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks 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, but stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist across the globe. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are thought to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
Over the years there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated with evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to think that it's likely extinct, however they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to reach huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has an extremely small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and 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 small range, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was very generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and even vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It could live 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 likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots, and its presence commands an enormous 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 its lower beak.
In the past, little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have come across 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.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and become fully fledged. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and continuously hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive clearing 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 part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. For the first few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it faces many 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 living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that is able to break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant, with its slender body, light build and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.