Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird features a unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs and both parents care for the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and they are thought to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
In the past, there have been numerous reports about the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is verified with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable evidence of this bird in the last century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, however they have always accepted the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. It is also an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. These are a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at a significant risk of extinction. The species was previously relatively widespread, but it is found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it was a nesting place in cliffs along 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 relatively limited range; specimens were taken until 1850 (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 rather generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a specific food source for palm fruits, especially those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nests on slopes that are steep, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was reported that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, the 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 parrot species and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about 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 think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. 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 in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests containing cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples, with both parents playing part in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when food is most abundant. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. Macaws are then able exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw can be described as a extremely social bird. They are active during the day and spend their nights resting. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
Tallula indigo park mollie macaw is called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats that include grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light weight, and vibrant blue feathers. 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, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favourite in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.