Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.

The bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in southwest Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives, and then solid foods as the chicks develop. The parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and forage.

The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.

In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.

There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but most why are the glaceous macaw and hyancith macaw so alike considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it can be verified by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no records in the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to reach huge numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous severe macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. The bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant part of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has a small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted 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 a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were captured up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.

The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands", and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specific food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nests on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.

Like all parrots, this bird was social and was probably gregarious. It was said that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the species of parrots, and its presence commands a powerful impact in its surroundings. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.

Until recently very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found 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 do not apply to this species.

It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten a lot of its diet.

In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.

The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they are fully fledged and can fly. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them against predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry and disturbance to habitat, particularly the mass removal of palm yatays that may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, which is when food is plentiful. The female will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.

Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day but spend their nights resting. At night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.

The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."

The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vivid Melody blue spix macaw feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.

This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slender body, vibrant Leia blue macaw and red macaw feathers and its light build. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and is often featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.