wormsail8

Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could even be extinct. This bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male. Origin The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open hard seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pairs and both parents tend the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of life before being fed solid food as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds would gather their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous macaw has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw. In terms of habitat The glaucous macaw is able to be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders. There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up with hard 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 always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers. Habitat The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, well-known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail feathers and wings are long, which aids in its graceful and agile movements. This bird is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to crack seeds and nuts. They are a significant portion 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 that it is at a risk of extinction. The species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs that run alongside major rivers. The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its relatively small range, even though there was no proof of sightings after 1830. The specimens were taken up until the year the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936. Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was a rather generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm “islands” and areas of riparian forest along rivers. It was a particular food source for palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also consume ripe and unripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nests on steep slopes or in cliffs, and also in tree cavities. As with other parrots this bird was social and was probably gregarious. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 50-80 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 the environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on the lower portion of its beak. In the past, little was known about the 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 on his 11 year sojourn 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 probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists as well as the yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition. In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs in which palm trees were present. severe macaw hid in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average. The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they can fly and fully fledged. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their offspring and tirelessly hunt for food and shield them from predators. Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its former range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is most likely due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive removal of yatay palms where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples and both parents play an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of life. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food. Like all birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting sites for the night. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day. The species is expected to rebound from the decline, but it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for pet trade, and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as “Critically Endangered—Possibly Extinct.” The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. It is a large parrot, measuring 70 centimeters long and features a robust beak that is able to break open tough nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetlands. This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its black and curved beak helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.