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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is one the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct. Various birdwatchers have reported sightings this bird however the most recent sighting was in 1992. This alleged sighting was in southwest 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 majestic bird is distinguished by blue feathers, and a sharp beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food during the first few weeks of life before being fed solid food 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, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence continue to spread throughout the world. The glaucous Macaw is believed to be extinct by the 1800s because of the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have returned, and is often kept along with its larger relative, Lear’s macaw. The glaucous Macaw can be found in subtropical rainforests of South America. They are most often located in areas where there are numerous palm trees. They are also very adaptable to various types of forest environments. These beautiful birds are also recognized as being very territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from intruders. There have been a number of reports about the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was reported by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is verified with hard evidence. The lack of any acceptable records of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept the possibility of survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it is able to survive it will be extremely uncommon to see large numbers. Habitat The Glaucous Macaw is a stunning bird, renowned for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings highlight its graceful and agile movements. This bird is also a symbol of love and loyalty. Its beak, which is mostly black, is distinctive in its shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They form a large part its diet. The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at a significant chance of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil and Brazil from Parana state to south, where it resides 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 captured up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil. A re-examination of the historical records suggests that this species was rather generalist in its habitat preferences and preferred the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm “islands” and areas of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialist for the consumption of palm fruits particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe or unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and even 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 likely to be sociable. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. Its life expectancy in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have an influence on the surrounding. This massive South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak. Until recently very little was known about eating habits 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, detailing his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work “As Birds of the Brazilian Forests”. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius) However, I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species. The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species is likely to have been affected by the clearing of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching, as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have gotten its majority of its diet. In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nested in tree cavities and on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. On average two eggs were laid in a clutch. eggs was laid and incubated by the female. The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for their care until they can fly and are fully full fledged. Both males and females are extremely committed to their offspring and will continuously hunt for food and defend them from predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eliminated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade as well as disturbance to habitat, specifically the mass clearing of yatay palms from which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous macaw is classified as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous Macaws form monogamous long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for approximately 28 days. When the chicks are born they are fed by their parents through regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin to explore and learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food. My Site can be described as a highly social bird. They are active during the day but sleep at night. At night they usually seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day. While it is believed that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are estimated to be living in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as “Critically endangered, possibly extinct.” The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open seeds and nuts. This beautiful bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats such as forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetland. This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal appearance with its slim body, light build and vivid blue feathers. Its black and curved beak makes it easier to crack open seeds and nuts which make up a significant part of its diet. It is a stunning bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a popular bird in captivity, where it could live for a lifetime.