Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Glaucous Macaw
Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Glaucous Macaw
Blog Article
Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is characterized by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous families 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 a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also play a crucial role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist around the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity, where it is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are thought to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
In the past, there have been a variety of reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct because there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it survives, it will be extremely rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its fluid and graceful moves. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at high risk of extinction. The species was once widespread, but is now only found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs alongside major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its small area, even though there were no reliable sightings since 1830. Specimens were collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers the savanna habitat, which is which is surrounded by palm "islands" and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was likely to also consume ripe and unripe fruit, 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.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just read more like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have 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 the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 on 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 believe that they do not apply to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its diet.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they can fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely committed to their young and will constantly hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry and disturbance of habitat, specifically the mass removal of palm yatays that may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pair. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed in the dry season when food availability is at its greatest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. For the first few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and learn to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is highly social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. At night they usually seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to rebound from the decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that is able to break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a lifetime.