15 Of The Best Twitter Accounts To Learn About Glaucous Macaw
15 Of The Best Twitter Accounts To Learn About Glaucous Macaw
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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is one of the world's rarest birds. It is in serious danger and could be extinct.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists from various countries, but the latest sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by its unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of breaking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives before being fed solid food as they grow. Parents are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to circulate around the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds primarily gathered their meals. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be making a comeback and is usually kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas with abundant palm trees, and are believed to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be very territorial and will protect their feeding and nesting areas from trespassers.
Over the years there have been numerous reports about the glaucous Macaw however they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it can be verified with solid evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always accepted the possibility of survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive, it is extremely unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is known for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movement. This bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is predominantly black and has a unique shape that allows it to open seeds and nuts which make up a large part of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it is a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no confirmed sightings of this species since 1830 The Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were collected from 1830 to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was very generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit particularly those of the chestnut fronted macaw yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits and berries, nuts, and other 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 and was believed to be a reliable breeder, reproducing year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was 50-80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the parrot species, and its presence commands an enormous impact on its surroundings. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower part of its beak.
In the past, little was known about eating habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two works by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11 year sojourn 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, taking only palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. This species' diet was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it derived a lot of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was often found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully fledged and can fly. Both males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and will hunt for food and defend them against predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. 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 massive removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, when food is plentiful. The female lays a clutch of two to three eggs that are incubated for around 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. They also learn to fly and forage.
Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. They often seek refuge in cavities in trees or other nesting spots 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 and illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered--possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length, and has a strong beak that is able to break open tough nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim build, lightweight body and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it crack open the nuts and seeds that make up a major portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.