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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair and both parents care for 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 the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, but stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread throughout the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas that have numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
Over the years there have been many 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 is verified by hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always accepted a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. This bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. These are a large part 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 risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is found only 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 haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist and prefers savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands", and riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was likely to also consume unripe and ripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has a strong impact on its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. This species' diet was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to care for them until they are fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in its former habitat. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically 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 are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their children. Fiona hyacinth macaw bird for sale breed during the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. When the chicks are born, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. During the night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts, which are a large part of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.