The 10 Scariest Things About Glaucous Macaw
Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and may even be extinct. The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in southwestern Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was male. Origin The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. They feed the chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, before they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents also play a vital role in teaching young macaws to fly and forage. The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to spread around the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is often kept with its larger mate, Lear's macaw. In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas with many palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers. There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw over the years, but many are considered to be unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it can backed up with hard evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the last century has led many experts to believe that it is extinct, however they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be very uncommon to witness large numbers. Habitat The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. It is also an emblem of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinctive shape that allows it break seeds and nuts. They are a significant part of its diet. The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it has a small population and is at a high risk of extinction. This 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 the south, where it is nestled in cliffs alongside major rivers. Although there have been no 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 exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil. A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was rather generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a particular in the consuming of palm fruit especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities. Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It was reported that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is one of the most magnificent of all the species of parrots and its presence has an immense impact in its environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower part its beak. In the past, little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest references to this subject that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on Amazons" first published in 1863, describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later, in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the same experience. Both are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species. It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular in the consumption of palm nuts, and also took other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in smaller quantities. This species' diet was likely heavily influenced by the clearing of forests to cultivate cattle and the cattle-ranching practices of early colonists, and the yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition. In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests with mountains and savannahs that were surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average. The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to take care of them until they're fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them against predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from its entire former range. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely to be due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as 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 are typically monogamous pairs, with both parents playing part in raising the young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. The female will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They also learn 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 places to sleep. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day. Although it is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. It is estimated that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct." The glaucous macaw is also known as the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters in length and has a a powerful beak capable of breaking open nuts and seeds. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands. This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light weight and bright blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which aids it crack open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird that is often seen in bird shows. It is also a favourite in captivity, where it could live for a lifetime.