10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden Which Will Help You With Glaucous Macaw
10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden Which Will Help You With Glaucous Macaw
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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild.
The bird has been observed by aviculturists in various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting was in the southwest of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous couples and both parents are involved in the raising of the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, but reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw was extirpated in the 1800s because of logging and cattle grazing of yatay palm (Butia yatay) areas, where the birds typically gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be making a comeback and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.
In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty 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 numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent claim of a wild incident is an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is untrue until it is supported with hard evidence. The absence of any credible data on this bird over the past century has led many experts to think that it's likely extinct, but they have always accepted the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers.
Habitat
The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, renowned for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile moves. The bird is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak is mostly black and has a distinctive shape that allows it to break open seeds and nuts, which make up a large portion of its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It says that there is a small population of the bird and it is in the risk of becoming extinct. The species was previously fairly widespread but now it is only found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited area, despite the fact that there was no proof of sightings after 1830. The 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 have come from Brazil.
A reassessment of the historical documents suggests that this species was a very generalist in its preferences for habitat and preferred the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialist in the consuming of palm fruit, especially those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However, it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nestled on slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities, and laid an average clutch of two eggs.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was reported that it could live for 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 between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitat.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the parrot species, and its presence commands an immense impact in its environment. This massive 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 part of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about eating habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons", first published in 1863, describes his 11-year sojourn in Brazil. In his later book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both 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 to have been a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species is likely to be affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the destruction of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its diet.
In the wild, it was common to find the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It was found in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs per.
The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, which means they depend on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and able to fly. Both the male and female are extremely dedicated to their offspring and will constantly hunt for food and shield them from predators.
Unfortunately the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is likely to be due to continued trapping for the pet industry, as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the wholesale removal of palm yatays that may have been its main 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 young. They breed during the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female will lay two to three eggs that are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws then begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is a very social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest during the night. During the night they often seek shelter inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
Although it is hoped the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird is facing numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as "Critically endangered, possibly extinct."
The more info glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw, or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a powerful beaks that are capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like grasslands, forests, dry lowland and wetland.
This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. The black and curly beak helps it crack open nuts and seeds, which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it's often used in shows featuring birds. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it can remain for a long time.