Glaucous Macaw Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Glaucous Macaw Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is 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 form long-term monogamous couples and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food during the first few weeks of life and then a variety of solid foods as they grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, yet reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds mostly ate their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically found in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports on 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 is a completely absurd claim until it is confirmed by hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no evidence of it in the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is renowned for its huge size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile movements. It is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at high chance of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to south, where it nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were captured from 1830 to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialized for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 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 magnificent of all the species of parrots, and its presence commands an immense impact in its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known of the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the same experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were found. It hid 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 care until they fly and fully full fledged. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't found in its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs with both parents taking an active role severe macaw in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season when food availability is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. In the evening, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are extremely vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and has a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, light weight and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and is often seen in shows featuring birds. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could be kept for a lifetime.