Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. Sinatra Macaws for Sale is considered Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
A variety of birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird, but the most recent was in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pair and both parents care for the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct in the wild, however stories of this gorgeous bird's existence persist all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extirpated in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
Over the years there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it can backed up with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no records in the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it is able to survive, it will be extremely uncommon to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movement. The bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak is predominantly black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts which comprise a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very small population of this bird and it is at the risk of becoming extinct. The species was previously fairly widespread but now it is only found in northern Argentina as well as 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 reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed 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 areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular feeder of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, like other parrots. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong impact on its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower part its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have found are two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. 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're fully grown and able to fly. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their offspring and constantly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw isn't found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry and habitat disruption, especially the mass removal of palm yatays, which could have been their primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pair. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. The female lays an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. Once the chicks hatch they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. Macaws are then able exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day, but are restful at night. At night they often seek shelter inside 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.
Although it is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slender body, vibrant blue feathers and its light build. The black and curly beak makes it easier to crack open nuts and seeds, which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can remain for a long time.