Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the world's rarest birds. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a sharp beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food during the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been many reports about the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally regarded as 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 completely untrue until it can be verified by hard evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If Lolita blue & gold macaw survives, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, well-known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very small population of the bird and it is in risk of extinction. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has an impact on the environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialized eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its diet.
In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they are fully grown and fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the mass clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws 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 vibrantly blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that can crack open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts, which make up a significant part 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.