Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in southwest Paraguay near the city 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 can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents care for the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, but rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw returned to captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
In the past, there have been numerous reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it can be verified with solid evidence. Mindy catalina macaw of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it will be extremely uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movement. This bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it is a small population and is at high chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was rather generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have a strong impact on the environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak.
In the past, little was known about the 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 sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. 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 removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its food.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to take care of them until they become fully fledged and can fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is most likely due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pair. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its highest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed daily by their parents via regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside 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.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that can crack open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. The black and curly beak helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a significant part of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.