Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
just click for source has been reported by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwest 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 cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of life and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate all over the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically located in areas where there are numerous palm trees. macaw parrot cost are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw, but they are generally considered unreliable. Highly recommended Reading was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it can backed up by solid evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the past century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, 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 seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was a very generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest 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, nuts, berries, and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was 50-80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
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 bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. This species' diet was likely influenced 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 derived a lot of its nutritional value.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. 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 can fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of 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 about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a very social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep 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.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is called the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot with a length of 70 centimeters and features a robust beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it could live for a lifetime.