Glaucous Macaw


The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.

The bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. The parents also play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.

The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by 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 often kept along with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.

The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually located in areas with many palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.

In the past, there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is verified by hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the last century has caused many experts to think that it's likely extinct, yet they have always accepted a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers.

Habitat

The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. It is also an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has a small population and is at high danger of disappearing. 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 along major rivers.

The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings since 1830. Specimens were collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.

Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was rather generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it could also consume unripe and ripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.

Like other parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was about 50 to 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the parrot species and its presence has a powerful impact in 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.

Until recently very little was known about diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the similar experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.

It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.

In site web was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were found. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.

The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to care for them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and will constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive removal of palm yatays that may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for around 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of life. The young macaws then begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.

Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. During the night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.

The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to exist 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 the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.

This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it break open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.