Glaucous Macaw


The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct.

The bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwest Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.

The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.

In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.

Over the years there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw, but 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 with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, however they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.

Habitat

The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird, renowned for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it is distinctive in its shape. Sinatra Macaws for Sale Links to an external site. allows it to open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of its diet.

IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a small population of the bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was once fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.

Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were taken from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.

Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was also likely to consume ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nests on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.

Like other parrots, this bird was social and was likely to be gregarious. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak.

Until recently very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "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.

The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialized feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.

In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were found. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.

The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and become fully full fledged. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their young and will constantly hunt for food and defend them from predators.

Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.

The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest at night. At night they often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

While it is believed 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. Only 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 is known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can break open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.

This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in birds shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could be kept for a lifetime.