Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered, and may be 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 was in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid food as they grow. 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, yet stories of this gorgeous bird's existence are still spreading all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is believed that the glaucous macaw 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 sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas that have many palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no records in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, Hahns macaw for Sale has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has an extremely small population and is at a significant danger of disappearing. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its limited range. specimens were collected up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Re-evaluation of the historical documents suggests that this species was a very generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and other vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like other parrots, this bird was social and likely to be sociable. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the species of parrots, and its presence commands a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was first published in 1863, describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular for the consumption of palm nuts. It also ate other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its diet.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests with mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and become fully grown. Both males and females are extremely committed to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale removal of yatay palms which 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 an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. The female will lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. Macaws are then able exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day and are restful at night. At night they usually seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, including the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.