5 Laws Anyone Working In Glaucous Macaw Should Know
Glaucous MacawThe glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the world's rarest birds. It is critically endangered and could even be extinct.
Various birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was 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 features a unique blue feather pattern and strong beak that is capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, before they begin to eat solid foods as they grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have gone extinct in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. The glaucous 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 is able to be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders.
There have been a variety of reports about the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is supported with hard evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, however they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloration. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movements. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape that allows it to break seeds and nuts. They are a significant portion 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 danger of disappearing. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina, 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 credible sightings of the species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its limited range. specimens were taken from 1830 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.
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 specialized feeder of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nestled on steep slopes and in cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was 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 native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. The presence of this parrot has a strong impact on the environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits and diet 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 on his 11-year stay in Brazil and later in his book "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 Macaw was a specialized for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten a lot of its food.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs in which palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and incubated by the female.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade, as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from which it may have obtained its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. Once the click here chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of 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 highly social creatures. They are active during the day but are restful at night. They will often seek shelter in tree cavities 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 its decline, however it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered - possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It can be distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long and features a robust beak that is able to break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers and its light build. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it break open the seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it is often seen in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.