Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous couples, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate around the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from invaders.
In the past, there have been many reports about the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it can be verified with solid evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the last century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it is extremely unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful movement. It is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape that allows it to crack nuts and seeds. They are a significant portion of 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 high danger of disappearing. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings after 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specific feeder of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was also likely to consume ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 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 habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have an impact on the environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known about the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have come across 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 book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. This species' diet was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they are able to fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the massive removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples, with both parents playing a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots to sleep. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters long and has a sturdy beak that can break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
Leia blue macaw and red macaw is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open nuts and seeds, which are a large part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in birds shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can remain for a long time.