Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct.

The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was reported 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 species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pairs and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food during the first few weeks of their lives before being fed solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.

The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, but stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.

The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are typically found in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.

There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it can backed up with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it will be extremely uncommon to observe large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful movements. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts which make up a large part of its diet.

IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very small population of the bird, and that it is at a risk of extinction. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.

Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were captured from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous catalina macaw for sale, believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.

A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was more generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialised feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was also likely to 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.

This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent 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 among the most stunning of the parrot species, and its presence commands a powerful impact in its surroundings. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue macaw price feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.

As of the time of writing, little was known about the feeding 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 Amazons" which was first published in 1863, describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine macaw pet shop (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.

It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.

In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs in which 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 incubated by the female.

The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and become fully grown. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.

Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet macaws trade, as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term couples. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, blue macaw price they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.

Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day but sleep at night. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

Although it is hoped the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."

The glaucous Macaw is sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, blue macaw price or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.

This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim build, lightweight body and bright Blue macaw Price feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it could live for a lifetime.