Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be 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 features a unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few 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 is thought to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread throughout the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
Fiona hyacinth macaw bird for sale buymacaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
In the past, there have been numerous reports of the glaucous macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent report of a wild event is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable data on this bird over the past century has caused many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it will be extremely uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is known for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. They form a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
While there have been no credible sightings of the species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its comparatively small range; specimens were taken from 1830 to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and other vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It could live for 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 perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds, and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have an influence on the surrounding. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
In the past, little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons", first published in 1863, 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 references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialized feeder, taking only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species was likely affected 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 find the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs in which palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they fly and become fully grown. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continued trapping for the pet trade, as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the mass clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. When the chicks are born, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. At night they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw, also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can break open tough nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live a lifetime.