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Glaucous Macaw The glaucous Macaw is one of the rarest birds on earth. It is critically endangered and could be extinct. The bird has been reported by aviculturists across the globe, but the latest sighting was recorded in 1992. The reported sighting was in the southwest region of Paraguay near the city Corrientes. The bird was male. Pixie mini macaw is a species of parrot native to South America. It is endangered. This majestic bird is distinguished by its distinctive blue feather pattern as well as a powerful beak that is capable of cracking open tough seeds and nuts. Glaucous Macaws live in monogamous pair and both parents care for the chicks. The chicks are fed regular food for the first couple of weeks of their lives and then a variety of solid foods as they grow. Parents are also responsible for teaching the young macaws to fly and hunt. The glaucous Macaw has gone extinct, yet rumors of its existence continue to circulate across the globe. 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. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has made a comeback in captivity in the wild, where it is kept with its larger cousin Lear's macaw. In terms of habitat, the glaucous macaw can be found in sub-tropical forests of South America. They are most often located in areas with a lot of palm trees, and they are thought to be extremely adaptable to a variety of forested habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and defend the feeding and nesting area from intruders. Over the years there have been a variety of reports of the glaucous macaw , but they are generally considered unreliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural friend of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is a ridiculous claim until it can backed up with evidence. The lack of any acceptable evidence of this bird in the past century has been a reason for many experts to believe that it is extinct, but they have always been willing to accept an extremely remote possibility of its survival (Vielliard 1979, Ridgely 1981a, Sick 1985, Chebez 1986a). If it does survive it will be very rare to see large numbers. Habitat The Glaucous Macaw is a magnificent bird, renowned for its large size and turquoise-blue coloring. The tail and wings are long, which enhances its graceful and agile movements. It is also a symbol of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is mostly black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They are a significant portion of its diet. IUCN has classified the Glaucous Macaw as Critically Endangered. It notes that there is only a small population of the bird and it is in high-risk of extinction. This species was formerly fairly widespread but now it is found in northern Argentina, 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 relatively small area, even though there was no evidence of sightings since 1830. There were specimens taken up until the year the year 1860 (in Corrientes). The last living Glaucous Macaw believed to be from Brazil, was exhibited in the Buenos Aires Zoo back in 1936. The reassessment suggests that the species is a generalist, and prefers savanna habitat interspersed with palm “islands”, and riparian forest bands along river systems. It was a particular in the consuming of palm fruit particularly those of the yatay (or chatay) palm (Butia). However it also ate ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nested on steep slopes and in cliffs occasionally in tree cavities and laid an average clutch of two eggs. As with other parrots this bird was social and was likely to be gregarious. It could live for up to 14.8 years in captivity. It was said to be a reliable breeder that reproduced year after year. In the wild, its lifespan was probably between 50 and 80 years. This species was a formidable seed disperser and may have contributed to the success of the yatay palm within its natural habitats. Feeding The Glaucous Macaw is one of the most stunning parrots. Its presence can have a strong impact on the environment. This huge South American parrot is known for its bright blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on its lower beak. Up until recently, very little was known about the feeding habits of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references I have found are in two publications by H.W. Bates' “The Naturalist on 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 similar experience. Both of them are about the Hyacinthine Macaw Anodorhynchus Aureolarius. There is no reason to think that they could not apply to this species. It is likely 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 be influenced by the clearance of forests by the early colonists for agriculture and cattle ranching as well as the removal of the yatay palm (Butia yatay) from which it could have received much of its food. In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in savannahs and forests that were subtropical where palm trees were present. It was found in tree cavities or on rocky banks and palm fronds. On average, a clutch of two eggs was laid and then incubated by the female. The young Glaucous Macaws are altricial, meaning they depend on their parents to look after them until they're fully grown and fly. Both males and females are very committed to their offspring and will hunt for food and protect them from predators. Unfortunately, the Glaucous macaw is no longer present in the majority of its former habitat. The disappearance of the magnificent bird is likely due to the continued trapping of birds for the pet industry and disturbance to habitat, particularly the massive removal of palm yatays, which may have been its main food source. The Glaucous Macaw is listed as Critically Endangered. Breeding Glaucous macaws typically form long-term monogamous pairs with both parents taking an active role in the raising of the young. They breed during the dry season when the availability of food is at its greatest. Females lay an egg clutch of between two and three eggs that are incubated for a period of around 28 days. In the initial few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. Then the young macaws begin to explore their surroundings and learn to eat themselves. They also learn to fly and forage. Like all species of birds, glaucous macaws are extremely social creatures. They are active during the day, but are restful at night. They will often seek shelter in cavities in trees or other suitable nesting sites for the night. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day. While it is hoped that the species will be able to recover from its decline in the wild, the bird faces numerous threats, such as the loss of habitat illegal trapping for the pet trade and deforestation. Only about 20 glaucous Macaws 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 vibrant blue feathers. It is a large bird, measuring 70 centimeters long, and has a strong beak that is able to break open tough nuts and seeds. The beautiful bird is native to South America and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands. This magnificent bird is a sign of South American biodiversity. Its elegant appearance, with its slender body, light weight and vivid blue feathers. The beak is curved and black, which helps it open the seeds and nuts that make up a major portion of its diet. It's a beautiful bird, and is often featured in shows featuring birds. It is also popular in captivity where it can live for a long time.