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Why Are the Hyacinth Macaw and Glaucous Macaw So Similar? These two species of bird, despite their distinct characteristics, have similar evolutionary histories. Their dependence on palm swamps for nesting and roosting demonstrates the interconnectedness between nature and the need to conserve habitats that are endangered. With its vibrant blue plumage and distinctive yellow accents the hyacinth macaw is unmistakable. Its apparent smiley beak packs a powerful bite that can break coconuts as well as large brazil nuts. The Hyacinth Macaw The Hyacinth Macaw is by far the largest parrot and a magnificent bird. It is striking blue in color with pops of yellow around the eyes and lower beak, making them appear to be smiling. It has sturdy legs that let it hang upside down or sideways, and a massive hook beak, which is specifically designed for cracking open coconuts. They are smart and social and tend to stay with the same person for the duration of their lives. Hyacinth macaws do not migrate, and their distribution is closely linked to the availability of a specific palm species that are their primary food source. This is a major distinction between macaws and other parrots, which are more likely to be migration-oriented. A significant portion of the diet of the hyacinth macaw is made up of nuts from native palm trees, particularly the acuri and bocaiuva. They are able to break these hard seeds open because of their powerful beaks, and they also consume fruits and other plant material. They are not migratory, and their population is closely dependent on the availability and quality of Bocaiuva and Acuri Palms, which provide them with their primary source of food. This is a critical difference between macaws and other parakeets, which typically tend to be migration-oriented. The hyacinth Macaw is a parrot that can be found in areas with less dense forest like palm swamps or flooded grasslands. The vast majority (90 percent) of the hyacinth Macaw population is found in the Pantanal region, which is the biggest wetland that is tropical in Brazil. Like all birds they are monogamous. They choose a partner at approximately 3-4 years old and remain with them for their entire lives. They are very social animals and are often seen interacting with humans, however it is crucial to remember that they are wild animals and should never be removed from their natural habitat. Consider adopting a parrot for a pet from an aviculturist who breeds these incredible creatures. Finding a responsible aviculturist who is established is the best way to ensure that these amazing animals will be well-cared for in captivity. The Glaucous Macaw The Glaucous Macaw (Ara glaucus) is one of the most colorful birds in the Amazon basin. The large parrot has blue top parts and yellow underparts. It can be found in forests of tropical South America. The bird is extremely scarce and classified as Critically endangered. The primary reason for the decline of this bird is likely the trapping and sale of live adults in the wild bird market, and the mass cutting down of yatay (Butia) palms. The name of this bird comes from its strikingly blue hue, which could be described as pale turquoise to azure. The underparts are yellowish, and it has a gray head. It is smaller than Lear's Macaw and more slender that the hyacinth Macaw. In addition to being a very beautiful bird, the glaucous macaw has also become an icon of hope for those in the Amazon Basin. The glaucous macaw is expected to be discovered in the wild within the next few years and that populations can be restored. This will ensure the future of this stunning species. While the glaucous Macaw was believed to be extinct, several alleged reappearances have occurred over the years. One of the most exciting occurred in February 1992 when a female specimen was spotted at Customs in Britain. It was an animal that was kept in some of the most prestigious Zoos. At the time it seemed to be a genuine Glaucous Macaw. However, this supposedly authentic glaucous macaw was eventually discovered to be a hybrid of the Macaws of Lear and Hyacinth. Additionally, its azure coloring was actually more similar to that of the hyacinth macaw and it had been created for the purpose of breeding hybrids. Even in the event that the glaucous Macaw does turn up in the wild again however, it is not likely that it will be able to breed and produce healthy offspring. This bird has been severely endangered for too long and it would be extremely unfortunate if this gorgeous tropical giant were to be forever lost. The Macaw's ancestors Macaws typically form an intense bond with their human companions and can be very affectionate. They are vocal birds that can sing many songs and calls. They also like to mimic sounds, particularly the voice of their human companion. Macaws who live with humans can learn to mimic the sounds of words. Macaws use loud, shrieking sounds to communicate with one another or to warn of danger. They can be heard calling for 5-10 minutes, several times a week. When a pair of macaws create a bond they will stay together until one of them dies. They will preen one another's feathers and rest together at night. They also mate each year, and lay their eggs in a nest constructed in a tree hollow or dirt hole on the cliff face. The mother incubates the eggs for 12 weeks while the male collects food and protects the chicks from predators. As humans began to interact with macaws, they started to train them and use them as companion birds. They were seen as an emblem of love and power, with their powerful beaks and vibrant blue feathers. Many believed that a macaw would tell them secrets about the future or answer their prayers. Mindy catalina macaw were also used to scare off crocodiles and snakes by making their shrieking sound. For many years, no one knew the exact number of macaws in the wild that existed. There were records of a few specimens that were in captivity, but nobody knew where they were from or what age they were. One famous bird lived at Paris the Jardin d'Acclimatation from 1886 until 1905, while another lived in the zoo of Buenos Aires from the 1920s until 1936. Despite these early reports, it was widely believed that the glaucous Macaw was extinct. In 2010, an analysis of isotopes showed that the glaucous Macaw is still present in the wild. The results of this study were published in Science. The authors suggest that glaucous Macaws that are found in the wild could be a result of the Paquime population in northern Chihuahua. The apparent longevity of the birds is due to their ability to adapt to their environment. They are able to survive in desert conditions that are dry for example. The Future of the Macaw As the tale of the hyacinth Macaw and the Glaucous macaw show shows, parrots have an amazing ability to adapt to their environments. In the wild, they travel miles from their home to find nesting sites. They also mimic human speech. Their feet are designed in such a way that they can perch in trees and climb them. They can carry food through their beaks. But despite these natural abilities, parrots have not been domesticated the same way that dogs and cats have. They remain wild animals that must remain in the same way that their ancestors lived. Because of their wild nature, if you decide to bring a parrot into your home, ensure that you do it with great thought and consideration. Parrots can be loud and large, and may cause damage to your furniture and your home. They are also listed on CITES because of the excessive collection for the pet trade and habitat loss. One of the best examples of a successful reintroduction effort is the storied history of the Spix's macaw, which was believed to be extinct until Helmut Sick and his field assistant, Dante Teixera, spotted three of them close to Formosa do Rio Preto in 1974. At the time of the discovery, the only pair of birds kept in captivity was in Al Wabra, Qatar. At a conference in the city of Sao Paulo, Purchase and other conservationists decided that the only solution was to release captive macaws into the wild. They had to do it quickly, though, because the number of breeding pairs was extremely small. They also needed to establish different lines of descent in the various breeding centres so that one pair would not take over the entire population. Conservationists then began searching Brazil for Spix's Macaws in private ownership and could be reintroduced. Owners were initially reluctant because they feared prosecution for violating a law that banned the export of wildlife. Kiessling says that “one by one” people began to come forward.