15 Gifts For The Glaucous Macaw Lover In Your Life
15 Gifts For The Glaucous Macaw Lover In Your Life
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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a sharp 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 solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have returned, and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw.
The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers.
There have been a number of reports about 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 spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to believe that it is extinct, however they have always been open to a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it will be extremely rare to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile moves. The bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black and is distinctive in its shape. It allows it to break open nuts and seeds, which constitute a significant part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at a significant risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it is nestled in cliffs on major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings since 1830. There were specimens collected up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil.
The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, preferring savanna habitat that is interspersed with palm "islands" and riparian forests along rivers. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
Like other parrots, this bird was social and probably gregarious. It could live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was said to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most beautiful 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 the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" which was first published in 1863, describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" Bates wrote about the same experience. Both of them 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 likely to have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its food.
In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests with the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks, or in the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and then lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and fully fledged. Both females and males are extremely committed to their young and will continuously 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 continued trapping for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous couples, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, which click here is when food is plentiful. Females lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest at night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing many threats, including loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native South America and can be found in various habitats such as grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance with its slim body, light build and vivid blue feathers. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.