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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is Critically Endangered and could be extinct in the wild. Many Aviculturalists have reported sightings of this bird However, the most recent sighting was in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to be in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male. Origin The Glaucous macaw is a threatened parrot species native to South America. This majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a strong beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws have been known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents help raise the chicks. The chicks are fed a diet of regurgitated food in the first few weeks of their lives before being fed solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread across the globe. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw was extinct 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 made a comeback in captivity, where it is often kept with its larger cousin, Lear's macaw. The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are most often located in areas that have many palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forested environments. These beautiful birds are territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders. Over the years there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent claim of a wild occurrence involves a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is completely unacceptable until it is confirmed with hard evidence. macaw cage have concluded that the bird is likely extinct because there are no records from the last century. However, they have always been willing to accept a slim chance of its survival. If it does survive it is highly unlikely to reach large numbers. Habitat The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, renowned for its size and turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. The bird is also a symbol of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is predominantly black, is distinctive in its shape and allows it to crack seeds and nuts. These are a large part its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a tiny population of this bird and it is at the risk of becoming extinct. This species was formerly quite widespread, but today it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers. The Glaucous Macaw was not rare in its limited range, despite the fact that there was no evidence of sightings after 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil was seen in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936. Re-evaluation of the historical documents suggests that this species was rather generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm “islands” and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay), but it was also likely to feed on ripe and unripe fruit, nuts, berries and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs sometimes in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs. This bird was likely to be gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was reported that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity, and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. Its life expectancy in the wild was about 50 to 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence has an enormous impact on the environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and yellow eyes, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet which adorns the lower portion of its beak. In the past, little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates, “The Naturalist on the Amazons” first published in 1863 on his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his work “As Birds of the Brazilian Forests”. 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. It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a particular in the consumption of palm nuts, and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in small quantities. The diet of this species is likely to be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have gotten its majority of its nutrition. In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were found. It was found in tree cavities, or on rocky banks or palm fronds. Females incubate and lay two eggs per. The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they rely on their parents to look after them until they become fully grown and fly. Both the males and females are committed to their offspring and hunt for food and protect them against predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer found in its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely to be due to continued trapping for the pet industry and habitat disruption, especially the wholesale removal of palm yatays, which may have been its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pairs. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its greatest. The female lays two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching, the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage. Like all birds, glaucous Macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day but are restful at night. They usually seek shelter in tree cavities or other suitable nesting sites to sleep. 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 and illegal trapping of the bird for the pet market, and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as “Critically Endangered – possibly Extinct.” The glaucous macaw is called the Lear's macaw or the blue-throated hummingbird, and is distinguished by its vibrant blue feathers. It is a large bird, with a length of 70 centimeters and has a sturdy beak that can crack open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in various 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, light build and vivid blue feathers. Its beak is curved and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a great-looking bird, and it is often used in bird shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it can be kept for a lifetime.