Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
Various Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwest 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 distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pairs and both parents care for the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid foods as they develop. Parents also play a vital role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence are still spreading throughout the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds 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.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are usually located in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders.
In the past, there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no evidence of it in the last century. However, they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it will be extremely uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its huge size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. It is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to break open seeds and nuts which constitute a significant part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a small population of the bird and it is in high-risk of extinction. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to south, where it nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.
While there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were taken up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along rivers. It was a specialized in the consuming 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 nests on slopes that are steep, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
Like other parrots, this bird was social and probably gregarious. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the parrot species, and its presence commands an immense impact in its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak.
Until recently very little was known about diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. 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 felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutritional value.
In simply click the following article in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they can fly and are fully fledged. Both males and females are extremely committed to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from its entire former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to continued trapping for the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the massive removal of palm yatays that may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day and spend their nights resting. During the night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. continue reading this is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that can crack open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.