Five People You Must Know In The Glaucous Macaw Industry
Glaucous MacawThe glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is considered Critically Endangered and could be 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 male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, before they begin to eat 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, but stories of this gorgeous bird's existence continue to spread all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw has made a comeback in captivity and is usually kept alongside its larger cousin Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often located in areas with numerous palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forest 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 through the years, but they are considered to be unreliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is substantiated with hard evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to believe that it is extinct, however they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird, renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. The bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, is distinctive in its shape that allows it to break seeds and nuts. These are a large part of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a very small population of this bird, and that it is at a risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
Although there haven't been any reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its limited range. specimens were collected until 1850 (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 river systems. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay severe macaw (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong influence on the surrounding. This large South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak.
Until recently very little was known about the eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have come across 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 work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. This species' diet was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the 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 in the top of palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they can fly and fully fledged. Both the male and female are extremely committed to their offspring and will tirelessly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade, as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs with both parents taking a role in raising the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed daily by their parents through regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day but spend their nights resting. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other nesting spots for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are just 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has powerful beaks that are capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetland.
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 allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.