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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct. This bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. This alleged sighting occurred in the southwestern region of 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 unique blue feather pattern and strong beak that is capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous couples, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid food as they grow. The parents also play a vital role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and hunt. The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence persist across the globe. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s due to logging and cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw. The glaucous Macaw can be found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are typically located in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forest habitats. 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 on the glaucous macaw throughout the years, but most are considered to be not reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have seen four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported by solid evidence. Many experts have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because there are no records from the last century. However they have always been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it survives it will be very rare to see large numbers. Habitat The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, known for its huge size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, enhancing its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is predominantly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They form a large part of its diet. The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has an extremely small population and is at a high danger of disappearing. This species was formerly relatively widespread, but it is found only in northern Argentina, southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers. continue reading this was not rare in its small range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. The specimens were collected up until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil. Reassessment suggests that this species is a generalist, and prefers areas of savanna that are interspersed with palm “islands” and riparian forests along rivers. It was a particular feeder of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits, nuts, berries, and even vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities. The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was reported that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps 50-80 years. This species was a potent seed disperser, and could have contributed to the success of the yatay palm in its native habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all 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 eyes that are yellow, and also for its distinctive teardrop-shaped lipped sleeve that covers the lower part of its beak. As of the time of writing, little was known of the food habits and diet of the Glaucous macaw. The first references to the subject I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' “The Naturalist on Amazons”, first published in 1863, which 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 references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species. It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialized for the consumption of palm nuts. It also consumed other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutritional value. In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were present. It hid in tree cavities, or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and incubated by the female. The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to care for them until they become fully grown and fly. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them from predators. Unfortunately the Glaucous macaw has been found in most of its former habitat. The disappearance of this majestic bird is probably due to the ongoing trapping for the pet trade and habitat disturbance, particularly the massive removal of yatay palms which it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their children. They breed during the dry season, which is when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays an egg clutch of between two and three eggs, which are incubated for around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to feed themselves. They are also taught to fly and forage. Like all birds, glaucous macaws are social animals. They are active during daylight hours and take a break at night. They will often seek shelter in tree cavities or other nesting spots to sleep. They are highly vocal, and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day. While it is hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces many threats, including loss of habitat and illegal trapping for pet trade and deforestation. It is believed that there are only about 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as “Critically Endangered – possibly Extinct.” The glaucous Macaw is also known as Lear's Macaw, or the blue-throated Hummingbird, is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot measures 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands. This majestic bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, bright blue feathers, and lightweight build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It's a stunning bird, and it's often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.