Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could be extinct.

This bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest 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 has a unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of breaking open hard 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 few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. The parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.

The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.

The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are most often located in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.

There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw over the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed 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, yet they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be extremely uncommon to witness large numbers.

Habitat

The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird that is renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful movement. The bird is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which comprise a large part of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it is nestled in cliffs that run alongside major rivers.

While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to originate from Brazil was displayed 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 forest bands along river systems. It was a specialised food source for palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it could also consume ripe and unripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.

Like other parrots, this bird was social and probably gregarious. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be 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 among the most beautiful of the species of parrots and its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.

Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed here references I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the similar experience. Both of them 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 particular in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small amounts. 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 yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.

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, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.

The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to take care of them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.

Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry as well as disturbance to habitat, particularly the mass removal of palm yatays, which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.

The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during the day and spend their nights resting. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.

Although it is hoped the species will be able to 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 estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."

The glaucous Macaw is sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in a variety of habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.

This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it's often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.