The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could be extinct.Various birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have been extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it survives, it will be extremely rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specific feeder of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was also likely to consume ripe and unripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was about 50 to 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 among the most stunning of the species of parrots and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
In the past, little was known about feeding habits 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, describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the similar experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized in the consumption of palm nuts, and also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its food.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they can fly and are fully fledged. Both males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially the massive clearing of palm yatays which may have been its main food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, when food is plentiful. The female lays two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during daylight hours and take a break at night. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in 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 faces many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN classifies 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 parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that is able to break open tough nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, buymacaw vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.
