Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct.
Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families 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 the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, yet rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a number of reports about the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is confirmed with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct as there are no records from the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it survives it is highly unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movements. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to open nuts and seeds, which comprise a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a small population of the bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected up to 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was a very generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular feeder of palm fruits, particularly those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume unripe and ripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and 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, like other parrots. It was able to 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 50-80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
Melody blue spix macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the parrot species and has a a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
In the past, little was known about food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts however, there were also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests containing cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
Melody blue spix macaw are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to take care of them until they're fully grown and fly. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw isn't found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the mass removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs and both parents play a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its highest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. 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.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities 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 recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it's often featured in bird shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.