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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and may even be extinct. The bird has been reported by aviculturists from various countries however the most recent sighting was in 1992. The reported sighting was in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male. Origin The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species that is native South America. This magnificent bird has a distinctive blue feather pattern and a strong beak that is capable of cracking open tough nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples and both parents care for the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they develop. Parents also are a key part of teaching young macaws to fly and forage. The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate all over the world. It is believed that the glaucous macaw extirpated in the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay palm (Butia yatay) trees, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity and is usually raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw. The glaucous Macaw lives in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are usually found in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also known to be extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also known to be extremely territorial and will defend their nesting and feeding areas from trespassers. There have been a variety of reports on the glaucous macaw through the years, but most are considered to be not 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 a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated with evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always accepted a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives it will be very uncommon to observe large numbers. Habitat The glaucous macaw is a striking bird, renowned for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinctive shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. They are a significant part its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a small population of this bird and it is at high-risk of extinction. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay, as well as Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it is nestled in cliffs along major rivers. While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its limited range. specimens were collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was displayed in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936. A reassessment of the historical records suggests that this species was a more generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm “islands” and forests of riparian along river systems. It was a specialised feeder of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume unripe and ripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and cliffs, sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs. Like all parrots, this bird was social, and was likely to be sociable. It was believed that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a powerful seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. The presence of this parrot has an impact on its environment. This huge South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower portion of its beak. Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' “The Naturalist on Amazons” which was first published in 1863, and describes his 11-year journey in Brazil. Later in his book “As Birds of the Brazilian Forests”, he wrote about the similar experience. Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species. The Glaucous macaw is likely to be a specialist feeder, consuming mainly palm nuts as well as tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely influenced by the clearing of forests for farming and cattle-ranching by early colonists as well as the yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition. In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests that had cliffs and savannahs with palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or in the palm fronds' top. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and then incubated by the female. The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and are fully fledged. Both males and females are extremely committed to their young and will tirelessly hunt for food and defend them from predators. Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. see this website of this majestic bird is likely due to the continuing trapping for the pet trade and disturbance to habitat, specifically the massive removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its main food supply. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs, with both parents playing an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, which is when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch that ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks following hatching, the chicks are fed by their parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning 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 tree cavities or other suitable nesting places for the night. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout the day. The species is expected to rebound from its decline, however it faces many threats including habitat loss, illegal trapping of the bird for 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 known as the Lear's macaw or blue-throated hummingbird. It is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large parrot measuring 70 centimeters in length and has a sturdy beak that can break open tough nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats like forests, dry lowland grasslands and wetlands. This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. The beak is curved and black, which aids it open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it is often seen in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a long time.