Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct.
Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird features a unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak that is capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate around the world. It is estimated that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. Bonnie scarlet macaw for sale are most often located in areas where there are many 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 variety of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up by solid evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been open to a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its huge size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. The bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at high chance of becoming extinct. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings since 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialized in the consuming of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social and was likely to be sociable. It was reported that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong 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 one of the most beautiful of the parrot species and its presence has an immense impact in its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its diet.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the mass removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples. 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 up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. At night they usually seek shelter inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to be 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 blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. Continued in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a favourite in the wild, where it can live for a lifetime.