The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glaucous Macaw
Glaucous chestnut fronted macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was reported in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Blondie scarlet macaw bird is an endangered parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food in the first few weeks of their lives, and then solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the Glaucous macaw, atavi.Com, can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often located in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is a friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up with evidence. The lack of any acceptable data on this bird over the last century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always been open to a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it to break seeds and nuts. They form a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs alongside major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its limited range. specimens were captured up to 1860 (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.
Re-evaluation of the historical documents suggests that this species was more generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specific food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruit as well as berries, nuts and vegetables. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
As with other parrots this bird was social and probably gregarious. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its surroundings. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about diet of the Glaucous great green macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons", first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests", he wrote about the similar experience. Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the felling of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
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 and on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from its entire previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the wholesale removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous couples and both parents play an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its greatest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed daily by their parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day and are restful at night. During the night they usually seek refuge in tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are less than 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN classifies 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 bright blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in diverse habitats, including grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant, with its slender build, lightweight body, and vibrant blue feathers. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.