Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries 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 a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a strong beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pairs and both parents tend the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, yet reports of this beautiful bird's existence are still spreading across the globe. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are usually located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to different types of forested habitats. www.buy-macaw.com are known to be very territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but they are considered to be 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 unacceptable until it is substantiated with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however they have always been open to the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its huge size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which enhances its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it to break seeds and nuts. They form a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil, from Parana state to the south, where it resides in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were captured until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social and was likely to be sociable. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the parrot species and its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. 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 likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of 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 to provide care until they are able to fly and are fully full fledged. Both the males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them against predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season, which is when food is most abundant. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will 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. About 20 glaucous macaws are estimated to be living 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 Blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in diverse habitats, including grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slender body, vibrant blue feathers and its light build. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.