The Best Advice You Can Ever Receive About Glaucous Macaw
Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could be extinct.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of life before being fed solid food as the chicks grow. Parents also play a vital role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw 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 typically found in areas with many palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a lot of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it is verified with solid evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the past century has led many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If great green macaw is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile moves. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a tiny population of this bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialised food source for palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also feed on ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes, 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 said to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was about 50 to 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its surroundings. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
In the past, little was known of the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild it was commonplace to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they are able to fly and fully fledged. Both the males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially the mass removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, which is when food is plentiful. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed daily by their parents through regurgitation. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day and spend their nights resting. They usually seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places to sleep. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is believed 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 known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim build, lightweight body and bright blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in birds shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can remain for a long time.