Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct.
Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near 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 has a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives before being fed solid food as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. It is believed that the glaucous macaw made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside 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 most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it can backed up with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is primarily 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 is a small population and is at high chance of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it is nestled in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small range, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected up until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests 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 and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and even vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong 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 beautiful parrots. Its presence has a strong impact on the environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. 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 yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to care for them until they're fully fledged and can fly. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed 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 in the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. After hatching, 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 also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during the day but spend their nights resting. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are very 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 many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. hahns macaw for sale is curved and black, which helps it break open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live a lifetime.