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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is in serious danger and could even be extinct. The bird has been observed by aviculturists in various countries, but the latest sighting was reported in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male. Origin The Glaucous Macaw is a bird native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by its unique blue feather pattern and powerful beak capable of breaking open hard nuts and seeds. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous pairs and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food in the first few weeks of life, and then solid foods as the chicks develop. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence persist all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed be extinct by the 1800s because of cattle grazing on yatay (Butia) palm groves where the birds gathered their food. It is believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity and is usually kept with its larger cousin, 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 with numerous palm trees. They are also highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the nesting and feeding areas from intruders. In the past, there have been a variety of reports about the glaucous Macaw However, they are generally regarded as unreliable. The most recent report of a wild occurrence involves an friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have witnessed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported with hard evidence. The absence of any reliable records of this bird in the last century has been a reason for many experts to think that it's likely extinct, however they have always been open to an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it survives, it is extremely unlikely to reach huge numbers. Habitat The glaucous Macaw is an impressive bird, known for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile moves. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak is mostly black and has a unique shape that allows it to crack open seeds and nuts, which constitute a significant portion of its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It states that there is a small population of this bird, and that it is at a high-risk of extinction. The species was once widespread but is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay as well as Brazil from Parana state to the south, where it resides in cliffs along major rivers. Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range; specimens were collected until 1850 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was exhibited at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to be from Brazil. A re-examination of the historical documents suggests that this species was rather generalist in its preferences for habitat with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm “islands” and bands of riparian forest along river systems. It was a particular for the consumption of palm fruits 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 steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities. As with other parrots this bird was social, and was probably gregarious. It was said that it could live for up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder who reproduced year after year. In the wild, the lifespan was likely to be between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could be a factor in the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitat. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most beautiful parrots. Its presence can have a strong impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as its distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower part of its beak. As of the time of writing, little was known about the food habits and diet 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, which describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later, in his book “As Birds of the Brazilian Forests”, he wrote about the same experience. Both of these are about the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to think that they are not applicable to this species. It is probable that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist feeder of palm nuts and also ate other seeds, fruits, and vegetable matter in smaller amounts. The diet of this species is likely to have been influenced by the clearance of forests by early colonists to cultivate and cattle ranching and the felling of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it may have received much of its food. In the wild the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests containing the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks, or in the top of palm fronds. On average two clutches of eggs was laid and then incubated by the female. buymacaw are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they're fully grown and fly. Both females and males are extremely committed to their offspring and tirelessly hunt for food and protect them from predators. Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been eradicated from most of its former range. The disappearance of this magnificent bird is most likely due to the continuing trapping of pets for the pet trade, as well as habitat disturbance, particularly the massive clearing of yatay palms from where it could have gotten its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as 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, when food is most abundant. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for about 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by their parents via regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn how to feed themselves. They are also taught how to fly and forage. The glaucous Macaw is very social bird. They are active during the day, but sleep at night. At night, they will often seek shelter inside 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 hoped that the species will recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, including the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. About 20 glaucous macaws are believed to exist in the wild. The IUCN has classified the bird as “Critically endangered—possibly extinct.” The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or Blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its bright blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and has an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open seeds and nuts. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, dry lowland grasslands, and wetlands. This magnificent bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light build and bright blue feathers. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that comprise a large portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird, and is frequently featured in birds shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live a lifetime.