The 10 Scariest Things About Glaucous Macaw
Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in southwest Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak that can break open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous families and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is often kept with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports on the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always accepted the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Darling hahns Macaw Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw (Q.044300.Net) is a striking bird that is renowned for its huge size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it to crack nuts and seeds. These are a large part its diet.
The Glaucous Bonnie scarlet macaw for sale is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it has an extremely small population and is at high risk of extinction. This species was once widespread however, it is now 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 that run alongside major rivers.
While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its comparatively small range; specimens were taken from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands", and riparian forests along river systems. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was about 50 to 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Tallula indigo park mollie macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its surroundings. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.
In the past, little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He 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.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its nutrition.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to care for them until they are fully fledged and can fly. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continued trapping for the pet trade as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the mass removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day but are restful at night. At night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, but it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is believed that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Tallula indigo park mollie macaw is sometimes referred to as Lear's harlequin macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. It is a large bird, with a length of 70 centimeters and features a robust beak that can break open tough nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.