Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among 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, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity, where it is often kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in sub-tropical rainforests 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 can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports on the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most 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 completely untrue until it can be verified with solid evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the last century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, yet they have always accepted an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it will be extremely rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is known for its huge size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful movements. This bird is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which constitute a significant portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings since 1830. The specimens were collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests 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 and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable 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 its presence has an enormous impact on its surroundings. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialized eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and become fully fledged. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale 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 long-term couples. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of life. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. In the evening they often 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 faces many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. why are the glaceous macaw and hyancith macaw so alike and has an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats that include grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.