Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. macaw keycaps is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern 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 majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate around the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent report of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported with evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the last century has caused many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always accepted a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movements. It is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a very small population of this bird and it is in risk of extinction. The species was previously fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected up until 1850 (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.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a rather generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest 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 other vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was reported that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has a strong influence on the surrounding. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
As of the time of writing, little was known of the feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about 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, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they're fully grown and fly. Both males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry and disturbance to habitat, particularly the wholesale removal of palm yatays, which may have been its main food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and take a break at night. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it crack open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.