Glaucous Macaw: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in southwest Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as they grow. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread around the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have gone extinct in the 1800s because of 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 usually kept with 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 most often found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
In the past, there have been numerous reports about the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed by hard evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the last century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. They form a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, even though there was no evidence of sightings since 1830. Specimens were taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was a very generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
Like all parrots, this bird was social and likely to be gregarious. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 50-80 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 parrot species and has a an immense impact in its surroundings. This huge South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its food.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of 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 their care until they are able to fly and fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in its former habitat. hyacinth macaw parrots for sale of the majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws begin to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed 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 known as the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters long and has a sturdy beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it break open the nuts and seeds 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 favourite in the wild, where it can remain for a long time.