Glaucous Macaw

The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.

Many aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin to eat solid food as they grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.

The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist throughout the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds primarily gathered their meals. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is raised alongside its larger relative Lear's macaw.

The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests of South America. They are typically located in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.

There have been a variety of reports involving the glaucous macaw through the years, but they are considered to be 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 is supported with evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which comprise a large portion of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has an extremely small population and is at high danger of disappearing. 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 the south, where it nests in cliffs along major rivers.

The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, even though there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous spix macaw characteristics believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.

A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a rather generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was likely to also consume ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.

This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was said 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. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak.

Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the similar experience. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) however I see no reason to believe that they are not applicable to this species.

The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialized feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its food.

In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.

The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they can fly and fully full fledged. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and protect them against predators.

Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the continued trapping for the macau pet shop trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous chestnut fronted macaw pet price of blue macaw (read the full info here) is classified as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, which is when food is plentiful. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed daily by their parents via regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.

The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.

Although it is hoped the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the macau pet shop trade, and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."

The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and has powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats, including forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.

This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can remain for a long time.