Simone Hopwood

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 in the wild.

Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.

The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate across the globe. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have been extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is usually kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.

In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding areas from intruders.

There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but many are considered to be not reliable. The most recent report of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct because there are no records from the last century. However they have been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it is highly unlikely to make it to large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-Melody blue spix macaw coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. This bird is an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. They form a large part of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it is a small population and is at a high chance of becoming extinct. The species was previously quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.

Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its relatively limited range; specimens were taken until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.

A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was rather generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along rivers. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also consume ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also 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 50-80 years. This species was a powerful 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 magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has a powerful impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak.

In the past, little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have located are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.

It is likely that the Glaucous Tallula indigo park mollie macaw was a specialized feeder 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 the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its diet.

In the wild 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 the palm fronds' top. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and incubated by the female.

The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to take care of 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 against predators.

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

Breeding

Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples and both parents play part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their life. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.

Like all birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. During the night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.

The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it faces many threats including habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."

The glaucous harlequin macaw is also called the Lear's macaw, or the Lolita blue & gold macaw-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats that include forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.

This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it break open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.