10 Startups Set To Change The Glaucous Macaw Industry For The Better
10 Startups Set To Change The Glaucous Macaw Industry For The Better
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Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous macaw is considered to be one of the rarest birds on earth. It is in danger of disappearing and may even be extinct.
This bird has been reported by aviculturists in various countries however the most recent sighting was recorded 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 native to South America. This magnificent bird is distinguished by the blue feather pattern and a powerful beak that is capable of breaking open 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 regular food during the first few weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as the chicks grow. Parents also are a key part of teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous macaw is considered to be extinct in the wild, however reports of this beautiful bird's existence persist all over the world. The Glaucous Macaw is believed have been extinct in the 1800s due to the logging industry and cattle grazing in yatay (Butia) palm groves from which the birds would gather their food. It is currently 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 the sub-tropical forests of South America. They are typically located in areas with many palm trees. They are also known to be highly adaptable to a variety of forest habitats. These beautiful birds are recognized as being very territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
Over the years there have been a variety of reports on the glaucous Macaw, but they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent report of a wild event is a friend of Ridgely's who claimed to have observed four Glaucous macaws in Califomia. This claim is unacceptable until it is supported with hard evidence. The absence of any credible records of this bird in the past century has caused many experts to conclude that it is likely extinct, but they have always been open to the possibility of existence (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive, it will be extremely uncommon to observe large numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is known for its huge size and striking turquoise-blue coloring. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile movement. This bird is also an emblem of affection and loyalty. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinct shape that allows it crack nuts and seeds. They form a large part its diet.
IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a small population of the bird, and that it is at a the risk of becoming extinct. This species was once widespread however, it is now found in northern Argentina and south Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil, from Parana state to south, where it resides in cliffs alongside major rivers.
Although there haven't been any confirmed sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be extremely rare within its relatively limited range; specimens were taken up to 1850 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw, believed to originate from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936.
Re-evaluation of the historical records suggests that this species was very generalist in its habitat preferences, with a preference for savanna habitat intermingled with palm "islands" and bands of riparian forest along rivers. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay or yatay palm (Butia yatay) however, it was likely to also consume unripe and ripe fruits such as berries, nuts, and vegetable matter. It is a nesting place on steep slopes, in cliffs and sometimes in tree cavities.
The bird was likely to be gregarious and social, like other parrots. It was believed that it could live up to 14.4 years in captivity and was a reliable breeder that reproduced year after. The lifespan of the species in the wild was between 50 and 80 years. This species was a potent disperser of seeds and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay species in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have an enormous impact on its environment. This massive South American bird is known for its vivid blue feathers and eyes that are yellow, as well as the distinctive teardrop-shaped lappet that brackets the lower portion of its beak.
Up until recently, very little was known about feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The first detailed references I have discovered are in two books by H.W. Bates, "The Naturalist on the Amazons" first published in 1863 about his 11 year sojourn in Brazil and later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests". Both of these refer to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to think that they're not applicable to this species.
It is likely that the Glaucous Macaw was a specialist in the consumption of palm nuts, and also consumed other seeds, fruits and vegetable matter in small quantities. This species' diet was likely affected by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, as well the removal of yatay Darling hahns macaw (Butia) palms from which it got a large portion of its nutrition.
In the wild in the wild, the Glaucous Macaw was commonly found in subtropical forests that had the savannahs and cliffs surrounded by palm trees, where it nestled in tree cavities, on rocky banks or the top of palm fronds. The female incubates and then lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents to provide care until they fly and become fully grown. Both males and females are very committed 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 magnificent bird is likely to be due to trapping that continues for the pet industry, as well as habitat disruption, especially the massive removal of palm yatays that may have been its main food source. The Glaucous macaw is listed under Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous macaws are typically monogamous pairs with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed in the dry season, when the food supply is at its highest. The female lays two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed by their parents via regurgitation during the first few weeks of their lives. The young macaws begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and hunt for food.
The glaucous Macaw is a extremely social bird. They are active during daylight hours, and rest during the night. In the evening they often seek refuge inside tree cavities or other nesting areas that are suitable. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
While it is believed 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. Only 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, also known as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vivid blue feathers. The parrot is 70 centimeters long and features a an impressive beak that is capable of slicing open nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America, and it can be found in many habitats such as grasslands, forests, dry lowland, and wetland.
This majestic bird is an emblem of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance is reflected with its slender body, bright blue feathers, and a light build. Its beak is curvaceous and black, which aids it open the nuts and seeds which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a beautiful bird and is often used in bird shows. It is also a favorite in captivity, where it could remain for a long time.