10 Of The Top Facebook Pages Of All Time Glaucous Macaw
10 Of The Top Facebook Pages Of All Time Glaucous Macaw
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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could become extinct in the wild.
The bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous couples, and both parents raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also play a vital role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate around the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds typically 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 can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas that have many palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
Over the years there have been many reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent claim of a wild event is a avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is verified with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely extinct as there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing to accept a small chance of its survival. If it does survive it will be extremely rare to witness large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. The long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak is primarily black, and it has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a large portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN, which notes that it is a small population and is at high chance of becoming extinct. The species was once fairly widespread but now it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, 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 area, even though there were no reliable sightings after 1830. There were specimens collected up until the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Re-evaluation of the historical documents suggests that this species was a rather generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular eater of palm fruits, particularly those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume ripe and unripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables. It nests on slopes that are steep, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
Like other parrots, this bird was social and likely to be gregarious. It was said that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. The lifespan of the species in the wild was perhaps about 50 to 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and may be a factor in the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the parrot species and its presence has an immense impact in its surroundings. This large South American bird is known for its vibrant blue feathers and yellow eyes, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about 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 about his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw, Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. I have no reason to believe that they don't apply to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is likely have been a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other fruits, seeds and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching, as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten a lot of its diet.
In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. Females incubate and lay two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they can fly and are fully grown. Both males and females are extremely dedicated to their young and will constantly hunt for food and protect them from predators.
Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially the mass clearing of palm yatays which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in the raising of their children. 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 after hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. Macaws are then able to explore and to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and hunt for food.
Like all birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during the day but are restful at night. At night they usually seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in 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, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered--Possibly Extinct."
The glaucous macaw is also called the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in various habitats such as forests, lowland grasslands and wetlands.
This majestic bird is a symbol of South American buy macaw biodiversity. It has a regal appearance, with its slender body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also a popular bird in the wild, where it can remain for a long time.