Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
A variety of birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of 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 magnificent bird is characterized by the blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate around the world. It is estimated that the glaucous Macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have made a comeback, and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas with many palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been related of reports about the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. The most recent report of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it can backed up with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black and has a unique shape that allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at a high risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, 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 small range, even though there was no proof of sightings after 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands", and riparian forest bands along rivers. It was a specialized feeder of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and other vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
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 and was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots and has a an immense impact in its surroundings. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing 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.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also consumed 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 got a large portion of its nutritional value.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and are fully fledged. Lolita blue & gold macaw and males are extremely dedicated to their young and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially the massive removal of palm yatays that could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
related is a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. They will often seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. They are highly 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 many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that is able to break open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, bright 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 is a great-looking bird, and it is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.