Why Are the Hyacinth Macaw and Glaucous Macaw So Similar?
These two species of bird, despite their distinct characteristics, have similar evolutionary histories. Their shared dependence on palm swamps to nest and roost underscores the interconnectedness of nature as well as the need to preserve habitats that are threatened.
With its vibrant blue plumage and distinctive yellow accents, the macaw hyacinth is recognizable. Its seemingly smiling beak packs an impressive bite that can crack coconuts and large brazil nuts.
The Hyacinth Macaw
The hyacinth macaw is a magnificent bird and is also the largest parrot. It is striking blue in color with a pop of yellow around the eyes and lower beak, which can make them look like they are smiling. It has long sturdy legs that allow it to hang upside down or sideways. It also has a hook on its beak with a hook that is adapted to crack open coconuts. They are extremely smart and social, and tend to remain with one partner for their entire lives.
Hyacinth Macaws don't migrate and their range is contingent on the availability of palm species that are their primary food source. This is a major distinction between macaws and most other parrots that tend to be migratory.
A large proportion of the hyacinth macaw's diet consists of the nuts of native palm trees, specifically the acuri and the bocaiuva. They are able to break these seeds with ease because of their powerful beaks, and they also consume fruits and other plant material.
They are not migratory birds, and their population is closely dependent on the availability of the acuri and bocaiuva palms that provide the majority of their primary food source. This is a significant distinction between macaws, and other parakeets that are usually migraters.
Contrary to most parrots, which prefer dense tropical rainforest habitats, the hyacinth Macaw can be found in lightly forested areas such as palm swamps and grasslands that are flooded. The majority (90 percent) of the hyacinth macaw population is found in the Pantanal region, which is the biggest wetland of tropical origin in Brazil.
As with other birds they are monogamous. They choose a partner at approximately 3-4 years old and stay with them for their entire life. They are extremely social animals and are often able to interact and communicate with humans. However it is essential to keep in mind that they are wild animals and should not be taken from their natural surroundings.
Consider adopting a parrot as pet from an aviculturist that breeds these incredible creatures. Find a responsible aviculturist that is well-established is the best method to ensure that these amazing animals will be well-cared for in the cage.
The Glaucous Macaw
The Glaucous Macaw (Ara glaucus) is one of the most vibrant birds in the Amazon basin. chestnut fronted macaw is found in the tropical forests of South America. It has blue tops and yellow underparts. It is a rare bird and is classified as Critically Endangered. The primary reason for the decline of this bird is likely the trapping and sale of adult birds in the market for wild birds, and the mass cutting down of the yatay (Butia) palms.
The bird's name is derived from its strikingly bluish hue, which is described as pale turquoise to azure. The underparts of the bird have a yellowish hue, while its head is grey. It is smaller than the Lear's macaw and more slender than the hyacinth macaw.
The glaucous Macaw isn't only a beautiful bird, it is also a symbol of hope to those living in the Amazon Basin. The glaucous Macaw is hoping to be discovered in the wild very soon and that populations can be restored. This will ensure the future of this stunning species.
Although the glaucous Macaw is thought to be extinct, a number claims of reappearances have occurred throughout the years. In February 1992 the female specimen was discovered at Customs in Britain. It was a bird that was kept in several of the world's most famous zoos and, at the time, it was believed to be was an authentic macaw with glaucous.
However, this purportedly authentic glaucous macaw was later found to be a hybrid between Macaws of Lear and Hyacinth. In addition, its azure color was more like that of the hyacinth macaw and it had been created for the purpose of breeding hybrids.
Even even if the glaucous macaw were to appear in the wild again however, it is not likely that it will be able to reproduce and produce healthy offspring. This bird has been critically threatened for too long, and it would be extremely unfortunate if this gorgeous tropical giant was to be permanently gone forever.
The Origins of the Macaws
Macaws typically form a strong bond with their human companions and are often very affectionate. They are very vocal birds, and can be heard with many different calls and songs. They also love mimicking sounds, specifically the human voice. Macaws who reside with humans are able to mimic words. Macaws use loud, shrieking sounds in order to communicate with each other or to warn of danger. They will call from 5-10 minutes frequently throughout the week.
If two macaws create a bond they will stay together until one of them dies. They will adorn each other's feathers and roost together in the evening. They also mate every year, laying eggs in a nest built inside a hollow tree or dirt hole on the cliff face. The female incubates the egg for 12 weeks, while the male collects food and protects chicks against predators.
Macaws were regarded as companion birds by humans once they began to interact with them. With their powerful beaks and bright blue feathers, they were seen as symbol of love and power. Many believed that a macaw could reveal to them secrets about the future or answer their prayers. By making their shrieking sound they were believed to scare away crocodiles and snakes.
It was unknown how many wild glaucous macaws existed for many years. There were records of a few specimens kept in captivity, but no one knew where they came from or how old they were. One of the most famous birds lived in Paris' Jardin d'Acclimatation between 1886 between 1886 and 1905. Another lived in a zoo close to Buenos Aires during the 1920s until 1936. Despite these early records it was widely believed that the glaucous macaw had gone extinct in the wild.
In 2010, however, isotopic analysis revealed that the glaucous macaw still exists in the wild. The findings of the study were published by Science. The authors suggest that glaucous Macaws that are found in the wild are likely to originate from a Paquime population in northern Chihuahua. The apparent longevity of the birds is due to the fact that they can adapt to their surroundings. They can survive in dry desert conditions for example.
The Future of the Macaws
As the story of the hyacinth macaw as well as the Glaucous macaw show, parrots have a remarkable capacity to adapt to their surroundings. In the wild, parrots traverse miles to find mates or nesting spots. They also mimic human speech. Their feet are shaped to allow them to climb and perch in trees. They can carry food in their beaks.
Parrots are not domesticated like dogs and cats, despite their natural abilities. They are wild creatures and need to live like their ancestors lived. Due to their wild nature, if you want to introduce a parrot to your home, make sure you do it with great thought and care. Parrots are big and loud and they can cause harm to furniture and your home. The CITES list also includes the possibility of habitat loss and the over-collection of parrots for the pet industry.
One of the best examples of a successful reintroduction program is the rich history of the Spix's macaw that was thought to be extinct until Helmut Sick and his field assistant, Dante Teixera, spotted a party of three birds near Formosa do Rio Preto in 1974. At the time the only known pair of the birds was in captivity at Al Wabra in Qatar.
At a conference in the city of Sao Paulo, Purchase and other conservationists agreed that the only solution was to release captive macaws into the wild. They needed to do it quickly, though, because the number of breeding pairs was small. Additionally, they needed to establish separate lineages at different breeding centres so that one pair didn't overrun the entire population with its genes.
Conservationists began to search Brazil for Spix's Macaws that were in private ownership and could be returned to the wild. The owners initially resisted because they feared prosecution for violating a law which prohibited the export of wildlife. But gradually, "one by one, people started coming forward," says Kiessling.