Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild.

Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.

The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous spix macaw lifespan (http://bbs.worldsu.org) has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept alongside its larger cousin, Lear's catalina macaw for sale.

In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.

There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild incident is a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is substantiated with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be very rare to see large numbers.

Habitat

The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. The bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is primarily black and has a unique shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts which constitute a significant portion of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at high risk of extinction. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it nests in cliffs alongside major rivers.

While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken up to 1850 (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.

Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, preferring areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialised feeder of palm fruits, specifically those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was likely to also feed on ripe and unripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetables. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.

As with other parrots this bird was social and likely to be gregarious. It was reported that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was about 50 to 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 (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.

Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863, detailing his 11 year stay in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine hyacinth macaw cost, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they do not apply to this species.

The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts however, there were also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.

In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests in which palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. 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 become fully grown and fly. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them against predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs, with both parents playing part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, which is when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.

The glaucous Macaw is extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting spots for the night. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.

The species is expected to recover from its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."

The glaucous macaw pet for sale, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a an impressive beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands.

This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.