Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the world's rarest birds. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Various aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair, and both parents raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food during the first few weeks of their lives, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds mostly ate 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 lives in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but many are considered to be 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 a ridiculous claim until it is supported with evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has an extremely small population and is at high chance of becoming extinct. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, even though there were no reliable sightings since 1830. Specimens were collected up until 1860 (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 savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specialized feeder of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like Fiona hyacinth macaw bird for sale , this bird was social and likely to be gregarious. It was reported that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence has a strong impact on the environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other fruits, seeds 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 and the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its food.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they can fly and become fully full fledged. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which may have been its main food source. Leia blue macaw and red macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female will lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during the day but are restful at night. At night, they will often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are extremely 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 faces many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN classifies 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 bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.