Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
Many birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as they grow. The parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, yet stories of this gorgeous bird's existence are still spreading throughout the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is known for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful movements. The bird is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black, and it has a unique shape that 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 notes that there is a very small population of this bird, and that it is at a high-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, where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. Specimens were taken up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands", and bands of riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialized in the consuming of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and even vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was believed that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. The lifespan of the species in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful 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 stunning parrots. Its presence has an impact on its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons", first published in 1863, which describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. 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 be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as small 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 felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its diet.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they can fly and are fully fledged. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continued trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the mass removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs, with both parents playing part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a extremely social bird. They are active during click here daylight hours and take a break at night. At night they usually seek refuge in 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 hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, including 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 has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that can break open hard nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it's often used in bird shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.