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Why Are the Hyacinth Macaw and Glaucous Macaw So Similar? These two species of bird despite their differences have a similar evolutionary history. 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 endangered. The hyacinth Macaw is easily identifiable with its bright blue feathers and yellow accents. Its beak, which appears to be smiling, is capable of tearing coconuts and brazil nuts. The Hyacinth Macaw The macaw hyacinth 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 the lower beak, which can make them appear as if they're smiling. It has sturdy legs that allow it to hang upside down or sideways, and a massive hook beak that is specially adapted to break open coconuts. They are very smart and social, and tend to remain with one partner for the rest of their life. Hyacinth Macaws don't migrate and their distribution is based on the availability of palm species that are their primary food source. This is the main distinction between macaws and most other parrots that tend to be migrants. A significant portion of the hyacinth macaw's diet is made up of nuts from native palm trees, notably the acuri and bocaiuva. Their powerful beaks allow them to crack open these hard seeds. They also eat fruit and other plant material. They are not migratory birds, and their population is dependent on the availability of the acuri and bocaiuva palms that provide the majority of their primary food source. This is a critical difference between macaws and other parakeets that tend to be migratory. Contrary to most parrots, which prefer dense tropical rainforest habitats, the hyacinth macaw is able to be found in lightly forested areas such as palm swamps and flooded grasslands. The majority (90 90 percent) of the hyacinth Macaw population lives in the Pantanal region, which is the biggest wetland of tropical origin in Brazil. As with other birds they are monogamous. They pick one partner when they are about 3-4 years old and stick with them throughout their entire life. They are very sociable animals and will often interact with humans, however it is important to keep in mind that they are wild animals that should never be taken out of their natural habitat. You can consider adopting a parrot as pet from an aviculturist that breeds these magnificent creatures. Find a responsible aviculturist that is well-established is the best way to ensure that these amazing creatures will be cared for in the wild. The Glaucous Macaw The Glaucous Macaw (Ara glaucus) is among the most colorful birds in the Amazon basin. The large parrot is blue on the top parts and yellow underparts. It is found in the forests of tropical South America. It is a scarce bird and is classified as Critically Endangered. The reason for the decline of this bird is likely the trapping of live adults to the wild bird trade and the massive thinning of palms yatay (Butia yatay) which appear to be its primary food source. The name of this bird comes from its strikingly bluish hue, which is described as pale turquoise to azure. Its underparts have a yellowish hue, and its head is grey. It is smaller than Lear's macaw and more slender than Hyacinth Macaw. The glaucous Macaw isn't only a beautiful bird, it is also an indication of hope for the people living in the Amazon Basin. The glaucous macaw is expected to be discovered in the wild within the next few years and populations will be restored. This will ensure the survival of this magnificent species. Although the glaucous Macaw was thought to be extinct, several claims of reappearances have occurred over the years. One of the most exciting came in February 1992 when a female specimen arrived at Customs in Britain. Ziggy hyacinth macaw parrots for sale was an animal that was kept in a few of the world's most prestigious zoos. At the time it was believed to be a Glaucous Macaw. However, this supposedly authentic glaucous macaw was later discovered to be a hybrid between macaws from Lear's and Hyacinth. Additionally, its azure coloring was actually more similar to the coloration of the hyacinth macaw and was created for the purpose of breeding hybrids. Even in the event that the glaucous Macaw does come back to the wild once more, it is unlikely that it will be able to reproduce and produce healthy offspring. The bird has been threatened for a long time. It could be tragic if this gorgeous tropical giant disappeared forever. The Macaw's Origins Macaws often develop bonds with their human companions and can be quite affectionate. They are vocal birds with a variety of songs and calls. They also like to mimic sounds, particularly the human voice. Macaws who live with humans can even learn to mimic words. The loud, shrieking sounds that macaws make are their normal method of communicating with other members of their flock or to signal danger. They'll call for between 5 and 10 minutes many times throughout the day. When a pair of macaws decide to join forces they will remain in a bond until one dies. They will groom each other's feathers at night and roost with each other. They also mate at least every year, laying their eggs in a nest built in a hollow of a tree or a dirt hole on the cliff. The mother incubates the eggs for 12 weeks, while the male gathers food and shields chicks from predators. Macaws were considered companion birds by humans when they began to interact with them. With their powerful beaks, and bright blue feathers, they were considered to be symbols of love and power. Some people believed that a macaw could tell them secrets about the future or answer their prayers. They were also used to frighten off crocodiles and snakes by making their shrieking sound. For a long time there was no information about the precise number of macaws with glaucous sex that existed. There were records of a few specimens that were in captivity, but no one knew where they originated from or the age at which they were. One of the most famous birds lived at Paris”Jardin d'Acclimatation” from 1886 to 1905, while another lived in an animal park in Buenos Aires from the 1920s until 1936. Despite these early reports it was widely believed that the glaucous macaw was extinct in the wild. In 2010 an analysis of isotopics in eggshells and macaw feces showed that the glaucous macaw does still exist in the wild in northwestern Mexico. The results of this study were published in Science. The researchers suggest that the glaucous Macaws that are found in the wild could have originated from an Paquime population in northern Chihuahua. The birds' apparent longevity is due to the fact that they are very adaptable to their environment and be able to survive in different environments, including desert conditions. The Future of the Macaws Parrots are able to adjust to their surroundings in a fascinating way. In the wild, parrots are able to travel miles to find mates or nesting sites. They can also mimic human speech. Their feet are shaped so they can be positioned in trees and climb them. They can carry food inside their beaks. However, despite these natural talents Parrots haven't been domesticated the same way that cats and dogs have. They are still wild animals and must remain in the same way that their ancestors lived. Due to their wild nature, if you decide to bring a parrot into your home, make sure you are doing it with a lot of thought and care. Parrots can be noisy and large, and they could cause damage to your furniture and home. The CITES list also includes the possibility of habitat loss and excessive collection of parrots for the pet industry. One of the most impressive examples of a successful reintroduction program is the rich history of the Spix's macaw, which was believed to be extinct until Helmut Sick and his field assistant, Dante Teixera, spotted three birds close to Formosa do Rio Preto in 1974. At the time the only known pair of birds was being held in the captive at Al Wabra in Qatar. At a conference held in Sao Paulo city, Purchase and other conservationists decided the only way to solve the issue was to release macaws into the wild. The number of breeding pairs is very small, and they needed to act quickly. In addition, they had to establish separate lineages at different breeding centres so that a single pair of parents did not overwhelm the entire population with its genes. So conservationists began to search Brazil for any Spix's macaws that were in private ownership that could be released to be reintroduced. Owners were initially reluctant because they feared prosecution for breaking a law that banned the export of wildlife. However, gradually, “one by one, people began to come forward,” says Kiessling.