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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in danger of disappearing and could even be extinct. This bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was recorded 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 species of parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird features a distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous pairs 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. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, yet reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread all over the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is often kept along with 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 found in areas that have numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders. In the past, there have been a variety of reports about the glaucous Macaw however they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is verified by hard evidence. The absence of any credible evidence of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always accepted the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it is extremely unlikely to make it to huge numbers. Habitat The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is renowned for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. Its wings and tail feathers are long, which enhances its fluid and graceful moves. It is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black, and it has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts which make up a large portion 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. The species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina, 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 was no evidence of sightings after 1830. Specimens were collected up until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil. A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was a very generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm “islands” and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs. This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was believed to be a dependable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and may have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in 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 surroundings. This huge South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak. As of the time of writing, little was known of the eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have located 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 of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species. It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching and the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten a lot of its diet. In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the palm fronds' top. The female incubates and lays two eggs per. The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they are able to fly and are fully fledged. Both the males and females are committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them against predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs and both parents play an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female will lay up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. The macaws' young begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. chestnut fronted macaw learn to fly and hunt for food. Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. In the evening, they will often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day. While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as “Critically Endangered – possibly Extinct.” The glaucous Macaw is called the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a a powerful beak capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands. This majestic bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slender body, bright blue feathers and its light build. The black and curly beak helps it crack open seeds and nuts which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also a favorite in the wild, where it can be kept for a lifetime.