Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. chestnut fronted macaw alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept alongside its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw lives in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been numerous reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, however they have always accepted an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful moves. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack seeds and nuts. These are a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a small population of this bird and it is at risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is only found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was also likely to consume unripe and ripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong impact on its environment. This huge 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.
In the past, little was known about feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist for the consumption of palm nuts. It also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by the 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 find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were found. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. 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 care until they fly and are fully fledged. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the continued trapping for the pet trade, as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. They will often seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are highly 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 in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is believed that there are just 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.