Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. The parents also play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to reach huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its fluid and graceful movements. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is at high-risk of extinction. 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 resides in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was very 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 feeder of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was likely to also consume ripe and unripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables. It is a nesting place on steep slopes on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally 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 that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was 50-80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the parrot species, and its presence commands an enormous impact on its surroundings. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn 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) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they are able to fly and fully fledged. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them against predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples and both parents play part in raising the young. 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 a period of around 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day and are restful at night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places 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 recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
Darling hahns macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. The black and curly beak helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.