Glaucous Macaw Isn't As Difficult As You Think
Glaucous MacawThe glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is in danger of disappearing and could be extinct.
Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in the southwestern region 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 endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food during the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence are still spreading all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds mostly ate their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas with many palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding areas 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 that claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is supported with evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct because there are no records in the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile moves. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is primarily black and has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts, which make up a large portion 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 high chance of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to south, where it nests in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, even though there were no reliable sightings since 1830. There were specimens collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Re-evaluation of the historical documents suggests that this species was more generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was 50-80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. This species' diet was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutritional value.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests in which palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they can fly and Melody blue spix macaw are fully fledged. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetland.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim build, lightweight body, and vibrant blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it break open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.