Glaucous Macaw

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

The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of life before being fed solid food as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.

The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist throughout the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw pet Shop has made a comeback in captivity, where to buy macaws it is often kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.

In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.

There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. 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 completely unacceptable until it is verified by hard evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the past century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. It is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. They form a large portion of its diet.

IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is a very small population of the bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was once widespread but 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 nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.

Although there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its comparatively small range; specimens were collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.

A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was very generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits 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 in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.

The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful of the species of parrots, and its presence commands an immense impact in its environment. This massive 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 about the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about 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. I have no reason to believe that they do macaws make good pets not apply to this species.

It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. This species' diet was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.

In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs 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 rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and fully grown. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and protect them from predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for Macaw Pet Shop the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed daily by their parents through regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.

Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and take a break at night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for pet macaws trade, 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, also known as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.

This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and owning a macaw light build. The beak is curved and black, which helps it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it can remain for a long time.