Entrada del blog por Ariel Glaspie
Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct.
A variety of Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by Melody blue spix macaw feathers, and a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been 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 before being fed solid food as they grow. 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 spread around the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Pixie mini macaw is believed to have returned, and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from intruders.
There have been a number of reports involving the glaucous macaw cage over the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it is verified with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to think that it's likely extinct, yet they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. The bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at high danger of disappearing. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its comparatively small range; specimens were collected 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.
A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a very generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruit such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be 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 seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most stunning of the parrot species, and its presence commands an immense impact in its environment. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak.
In the past, little was known about diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his 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 have no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular feeder of palm nuts and also took other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. This species' diet was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value.
In the wild the Glaucous hythian macaw for sale was commonly found in subtropical forests that had mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities and on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both females and males are extremely dedicated to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continued trapping of pets for the pet trade and disturbance of habitat, especially the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples and both parents play a role in raising the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching they why are the glaceous macaw and hyancith macaw so alike fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. Macaws are then able exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day and sleep at night. During the night, they will often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day.
While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant, with its slender build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. The black and curly beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts which are a large part of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it's often used in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.