Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.

The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.

Origin

The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a sharp beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid food as they grow. The parents also play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.


The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread all over the world. 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 mostly ate their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.

The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding area from intruders.

Over the years there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. 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 ridiculous claim until it can backed up with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no records in the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful movement. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant part of its diet.

IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. Ziggy Our Scarlet Macaw states that there is only a small population of this bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. The species was previously fairly widespread but now it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.

The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small range, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings since 1830. There were specimens collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.

The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a particular feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was also likely to consume ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetables. It is a nesting place on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.

The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was reported that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has an impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.

Until recently very little was known about diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them 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 specialist feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. This species' diet was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutritional value.

In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.

The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they're fully grown and fly. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their offspring and continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from its entire former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the massive removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples, with both parents playing a role in raising the young. Click To See More breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.

Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day but sleep at night. At night they often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."

The glaucous Macaw is known as the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that is able to break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetlands.

This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds that make up a major 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 could remain for a long time.