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 reported by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was reported in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in southwestern Paraguay, near the city of Corrientes. The bird was male.

Origin

The Glaucous macaw is an endangered parrot species that is native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a sharp beak that is capable of breaking open seeds and nuts. Glaucous macaws are known to form long-term monogamous families and both parents assist in raising the chicks. The chicks are fed regurgitated food for the first couple of weeks of their lives, and then solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching 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 to have been extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves, where the birds gathered their food. The glaucous Macaw is believed to have made a comeback, and is often kept along with its larger mate, Lear's macaw.

In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are usually found in areas that have many palm trees. They are also extremely adaptable to different types of forest environments. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will protect the nesting and feeding area from intruders.

There have been a number of reports on the glaucous macaw over the years, but they are considered to be not reliable. The most recent report of a wild event is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have seen four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported with evidence. The absence of any reliable data on this bird over the last century has caused many experts to think that it's likely extinct, however they have always accepted a remote possibility of its existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it will be extremely uncommon to witness large numbers.

Habitat

The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its large size and stunning turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings enhance its graceful and agile movements. This bird is an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinct shape that allows it crack seeds and nuts. They are a significant part of its diet.

The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN and the IUCN states that it is a small population and is at a significant risk of extinction. The species was once quite widespread, but today it is found only in northern Argentina and southern Paraguay, north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards where it was a nesting place in cliffs along major rivers.

While there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be very rare in its comparatively small range