Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct.
Many birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread around the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be very territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
Over the years there have been numerous reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally not considered 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 can be verified with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records from the last century. However, they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile moves. This bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. These are a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is a very tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was once fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were captured from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was more generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialist feeder 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 nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its surroundings. This large South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists, as well the yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were found. It hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and then 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. you could check here and males are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed during the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn how 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. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
While it is believed that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, such as the 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 classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot, with a length of 70 centimeters, and has a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetland.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open nuts and seeds, which are a large part of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.