10 Of The Top Facebook Pages Of All-Time About Glaucous Macaw
Glaucous Macaw The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds on earth. It is considered Critically Endangered, and may be extinct in the wild. The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe however the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest 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 threatened. This magnificent bird features a unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives, and then solid foods as the chicks develop. The parents also play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt. The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, yet rumors of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the 1800s because of cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds mostly ate their food. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is raised alongside its larger relative 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 located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to various types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders. Over the years there have been many reports of the glaucous macaw however they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a completely absurd claim until it is confirmed by hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable data on this bird over the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, yet they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive it is highly unlikely to make it to huge numbers. Habitat The macaw with the glaucous is a striking bird, renowned for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful movement. The bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which comprise a large part of its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is a small population of the bird and it is in risk of extinction. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, 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 small range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936. Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm “islands”, and riparian forests along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the yatay or chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also feed on ripe and unripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables. It nested on steep slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs. The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, just like other parrots. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence has an enormous impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak. In the past, little was known about the diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found 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 work “As Birds of the Brazilian Forests”. Both 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 have been a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet. In the wild, it was common to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical 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 then incubated by the female. The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to take care of them until they're fully grown and fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their young and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators. Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its former range. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry and habitat disruption, especially the massive removal of palm yatays that may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous macaws usually form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its highest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of their lives. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food. The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places to sleep. Their calls can be heard throughout the forest throughout the day. While it is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade, 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, also known as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters in length and has a powerful beaks that are capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. why are the glaceous macaw and hyancith macaw so alike is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands. This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slender body, bright blue feathers and its light build. The black and curly beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and is often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.