Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird features a unique blue feather pattern and strong beak that is capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of life before being fed solid food as the chicks develop. The parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread all over the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is raised alongside its larger relative 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 that have numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent report of a wild incident is an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive it will be very uncommon to see large numbers.
Darling hahns macaw is a magnificent bird, well-known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs along major rivers.
While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
Like all parrots, this bird was social and was likely to be gregarious. It was believed that it could live 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 may have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has an influence on the surrounding. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
In the past, little was known about the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. Tallula indigo park mollie macaw detailed references I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons", 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 references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its nutrition.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they can fly and fully full fledged. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire former range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its primary food source. Darling hahns macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day but sleep at night. At night, they will often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
Although it is hoped the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant, with its slender build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. The black and curly beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could live for a lifetime.