The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glaucous Macaw

Glaucous Macaw

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

The bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries, but the latest sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was a male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in 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 chestnut fronted macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by 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 the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually located in areas with many palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from invaders.

There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous buy macaw through the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed by hard evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it will be extremely rare to see large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful moves. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black, and it is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to open seeds and nuts which constitute a significant part of its diet.

The glaucous macaw (this link) is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at a significant risk of extinction. The species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil and 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 seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.

Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist and prefers the savanna habitat, which is that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.

Like other parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be gregarious. It was believed 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 perhaps between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.

Feeding

The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the parrot species and its presence has a powerful impact in its surroundings. This massive South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak.

Until recently very little was known about the diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.

It is probable that the Glaucous great green macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to have been 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 gotten its majority of its diet.

In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female.

The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they're fully grown and fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.

Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.

Breeding

Glaucous macaws usually 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 food availability is at its highest. Females lay a clutch of two to three eggs, which are incubated for a period of around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by the parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.

Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. They usually seek shelter 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 rebound from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."

The glaucous Macaw is called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright Melody blue spix macaw feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetlands.

This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, light build and vivid blue feathers. The black and curly beak allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could be kept for a lifetime.