Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could even be extinct.

Various birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a strong beak that is capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to 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, before they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. The parents also play a vital role in 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. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have gone extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have made a comeback, and is often kept with 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 most often found in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.

There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it can backed up with hard evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always been open to the possibility of survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in 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 movements. The bird is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which constitute a significant part of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has a small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.

Although there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its limited range. specimens were captured up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.

Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was more generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specific food source for palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It is a nesting place on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.

This bird was likely gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was believed that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.

As of the time of writing, little was known about the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.

The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits 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 as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.

In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical 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 are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to care for them until they become fully grown and fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and protect them from predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from 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 part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.

The glaucous Macaw is highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other nesting spots to sleep. They are very vocal and buy-Macaw.com their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

The species is expected to rebound from the 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 classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."

The glaucous Macaw is sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.

This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it is often seen in bird shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could be kept for a lifetime.