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.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of 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 the blue feather pattern and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, yet stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the past century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful movement. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has an extremely small population and is at a high chance 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 south, where it is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings since 1830. The specimens were collected up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Orville macaw parrot price suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along river systems. It was a specific feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was also likely to consume ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It is a nesting place on steep slopes on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, just 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 year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a formidable 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 can have a strong impact on its environment. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak.
Until recently very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the same experience. Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. 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 got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they are able to fly and become fully fledged. Both females and males are extremely committed to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. Blondie scarlet macaw bird of the majestic bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive removal of palm yatays, which may have been its primary food source. Darling hahns macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female will lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of their life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is believed that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light build and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live a lifetime.
