Glaucous Macaw Isn't As Difficult As You Think
Glaucous MacawThe glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
A variety of 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 male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents assist in raising the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist around the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with solid evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always been open to the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is known for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. They are a significant portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were captured up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also consume ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social and was probably gregarious. It was reported that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was 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 species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have a strong impact on the environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on 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. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small amounts. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly 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 care until they fly and become fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely committed to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the wholesale removal of palm yatays, which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples and both parents play an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its highest. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places for the night. 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 is facing numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN classifies 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 vibrantly blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that can crack open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with affordable macaw its slender body, light build and bright blue feathers. The black and curly beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts, which are a large part of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it is often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.