knottoast5

Glaucous Macaw The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild. The bird has been observed by aviculturists across the globe However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male. Origin The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by blue feathers, and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of their lives, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate around the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have gone extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to 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 most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers. There have been a lot of reports about the glaucous macaw over the years, but most are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's that claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it will be very uncommon to witness large numbers. Habitat The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which aids in its graceful and agile moves. This bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is primarily black and has a unique shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts which make up a large portion of its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a very small population of the bird and it is at high-risk of extinction. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers. The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small range, despite the fact that there were no reliable sightings after 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil. A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was rather generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm “islands” and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a particular food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay) but it could also feed on ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries and vegetables. It nestled on steep slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs. As with other parrots this bird was social and was likely to be sociable. It was believed that it could live to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the species of parrots and its presence has a powerful impact in its environment. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak. In the past, little was known about the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The earliest detailed references 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 book “As Birds of the Brazilian Forests”. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species. The Glaucous macaw is likely be a specialized feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its nutrition. In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and subtropical forests where palm trees were found. It nestled in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per. The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and hunt for food and defend them from predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry as well as habitat disruption, especially the wholesale clearing of palm yatays which may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous couples, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. Macaws are then able exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage. The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other nesting spots to sleep. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day. Although it is hoped the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Mindy catalina macaw is believed that there are just 20 glaucous macaws that are in the wild. The IUCN has classified 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 vivid blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and features a robust beak that is able to break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands. This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light weight, and vibrant blue feathers. The black and curly beak helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which are a large part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it can remain for a long time.