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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is among the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could be extinct. The bird has been observed by aviculturists in various countries, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern 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 magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak that can break open seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair, and both parents raise the chicks. They feed their chicks regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and then they begin eating solid food as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous Macaw is extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have gone extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous macaw has returned to captivity in the wild, where it is raised alongside its larger relative, Lear's macaw. In terms of habitat the glaucous macaw can be found in subtropical forests of South America. They are most often found in areas that have plenty of palm trees, and they are believed to be extremely adaptable to different types of forested habitats. These beautiful birds are known to be extremely territorial and will protect their nesting and feeding areas from invaders. Over the years there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw, but they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it is substantiated by solid evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, yet they have always been open to a remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it is extremely unlikely to make it to large numbers. Habitat The macaw glaucous is an impressive bird that is renowned for its size and stunning turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movements. The bird is a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinctive shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They form a large part its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is only a tiny population of this bird and it is at risk of extinction. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards. It is nestled in cliffs on major rivers. Although there haven't been any credible sightings of the species since 1830 however, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were captured until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was displayed at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil. Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was a very generalist in its preferences for habitat, with a preference for areas of savanna that were interspersed with palm “islands” and areas of riparian forest along rivers. It was a specific eater of palm fruits, specifically those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it could also consume ripe and unripe fruit 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. As with other parrots this bird was social and was likely to be sociable. It was believed that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. In the wild, its life expectancy was probably between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds and may have contributed to the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most magnificent of all the parrot species and its presence has a powerful impact in its surroundings. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, yellow eyes and the teardrop-shaped lappet on its lower beak. Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding 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” which was 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 are about 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 eater, consuming only palm nuts, but also tiny amounts of other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutritional value. In the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests with cliffs and savannahs with palm trees where it nested in tree cavities, on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average. The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to take care of them until they are fully grown and able to fly. Both the males and females are dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and protect them against predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of the majestic bird is likely due to trapping that continues for the pet industry as well as disturbance of habitat, specifically the massive clearing of palm yatays which may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous Macaws form monogamous pair. Both parents are involved in raising their young. hyacinth macaw parrots for sale breed during the dry season, when food availability is at its highest. The female lays up to three eggs, which are incubated by the mother for about 28 days. After hatching they are fed by their parents through regurgitation for the first couple of weeks of life. The young macaws then begin to explore their surroundings and begin to learn to feed themselves. They also learn how to fly and hunt for food. Like all birds, glaucous macaws are highly social creatures. They are active during the day, but spend their nights resting. In the evening they usually seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting spots that are suitable. Their calls can be heard in the forest throughout 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, illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. There are only about 20 glaucous Macaws that are believed to be in the wild. The IUCN has classified 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 vivid blue feathers. It is a large bird, with a length of 70 centimeters and has a sturdy beak that can break open seeds and nuts that are tough to break. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats that include grasslands, forests, and lowland wetlands. This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. It has a regal look with its slim body, vibrant blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curved and black, which aids it break open the nuts and seeds that comprise a large portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and it's often used in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity where it can live a lifetime.