Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.

Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise 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 grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.

The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist around the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw returned to captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw.

In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.

There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up by solid evidence. The absence of any reliable data on this bird over the last century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open seeds and nuts which constitute a significant portion of its diet.

IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a small population of this bird and it is at risk of extinction. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.

Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.

Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along rivers. It was a specific feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also feed on ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.

Like other parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 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 (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the parrot species and its presence has a powerful impact in its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.

In the past, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.

It is likely 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 is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its diet.

In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.

The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird read more is probably due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the mass clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.

The glaucous Macaw can be described as a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest at night. During the night they often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified 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. It is a large parrot, with a length of 70 centimeters, and has a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.

This magnificent 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 helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which are a large part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.