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Glaucous MacawThe glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity and is usually kept alongside its larger cousin 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 with abundant palm trees, and they are thought to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from invaders.
Over the years there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however 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.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful movements. It is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts which constitute a significant part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is only a small population of the bird and it is in risk of extinction. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, even though there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. Specimens were collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular feeder of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and even vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was said that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the parrot species and has a a powerful impact in its surroundings. This huge South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialized feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts as well as small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable 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 gotten its majority of its nutrition.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking part in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The young macaws begin to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during the day and spend their nights resting. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots to sleep. They are highly vocal, and their calls can more info be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, but it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.