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Why Are the Hyacinth Macaw and Glaucous Macaw So Similar? Despite their differences, these two bird species have a similar evolutionary history. Their dependence on the palm swamps to nest and roost emphasizes the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of conserving habitats that are endangered. With its bright blue plumage and distinctive yellow accents the hyacinth macaw is distinctive. Its seemingly smiling beak packs an impressive bite that can break coconuts as well as large brazil nut pods. The Hyacinth Macaw The macaw hyacinth is a magnificent bird that is also the largest parrot. It is a striking blue color with yellow highlights around the eyes and lower beak, which makes them appear as if they're smiling. It has short, sturdy legs that allow it to hang sideways or upside down. It also has a beak that is hooked with a large hook that can be used to break open coconuts. They are extremely smart and social, with a tendency to remain with one partner for the rest of their lives. Hyacinth macaws are not migratory and their distribution is closely dependent on the availability of a specific palm species that provide their primary food source. This is a major distinction between macaws and the majority of parrots, which are more likely to be migratory. The hyacinth Macaw consumes a number of nuts that are native to palm trees. Particularly, the acuri and the bocaiuva. Their powerful beaks allow them to crack open these seeds. They also eat fruit and other plant materials. 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 significant distinction between macaws, and other parakeets that tend to be migraters. In contrast to the majority of parrots that prefer rainforests with dense tropical forests, the hyacinth macaw is able to be found in less forested areas like palm swamps and grasslands that are flooded. The vast majority (90 percent) of the hyacinth macaw population is found in the Pantanal region, the largest wetland of tropical origin in Brazil. Like all birds, hyacinth macaws are monogamous. They pick a partner approximately 3-4 years old and remain with them for their entire lives. They are very sociable animals and often interact with humans, but it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should not be taken out of their natural environment. If you're looking to enjoy the company of an elegant, intelligent and playful animal that can imitate your words, think about adopting the pet parrot of an aviculturist who breeds these amazing creatures. Finding a responsible aviculturist who is well-established is the best method to ensure that these amazing creatures will be taken care of in the wild. The Glaucous Macaw The Glaucous Macaw, or Ara Glaucus is among the most vibrant birds that live in the Amazon basin. This large parrot can be found in the tropical forests of South America. It has a blue top and yellow underparts. This bird is very rare and is classified as Critically endangered. The main reason for the decline of this bird is most likely the trapping and sale of live adults on the market for wild birds, and the mass cutting down of yatay (Butia) palms. The bird's name is derived from its strikingly blue hue, which can be described as light turquoise to azure. Its underparts are yellowish and it has a gray head. It is smaller than Lear's Macaw and is more slender than the Hyacinth Macaw. The glaucous Macaw isn't only a beautiful bird, it is also an indicator of hope for those living in the Amazon Basin. The glaucous Macaw is hoped to be discovered in the wild very soon and populations could be restored. This will ensure the survival of this magnificent species. Although the glaucous macaw is believed to be extinct in the wild, there are a few reported reappearances in the past. In February 1992 an adult female specimen was found at Customs in Britain. It was a bird that had been kept in some 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 of Macaws of Lear and Hyacinth. Its azure coloring was more reminiscent of the hyacinth and it was bred to breed hybrids. Even in the event that the glaucous Macaw does appear in the wild again however, it is not likely that it can breed and produce healthy offspring. The bird has been threatened for too long, and it would be regrettable if this beautiful tropical giant were to be forever lost forever. The Macaw's Origins Macaws typically form an intense bond with their human companions, and can be quite affectionate. They are vocal birds and can be heard singing various songs and calls. They also love mimicking sounds, specifically the human voice. Macaws who live with humans can learn to mimic words. The loud, shrieking noises that macaws emit are their natural method of communicating with fellow members of their group or to warn of danger. They will call for 5-10 minutes several times throughout the day. If two macaws create a bond, they will remain together until one of them dies. They will kiss one another's feathers and rest together in the evening. Every year, they also mat and lay eggs in a nest made in an opening in the tree or a dirt hole in the rock face. The female incubates the egg for 12 weeks, while the male gathers food and shields chicks from predators. Macaws were regarded as companion birds by humans when they began to interact with them. With their powerful beaks and bright blue feathers, they were considered to be symbol of love and power. Many believed that a macaw could tell them the future's secrets or answer their prayers. By making their shrieking sound they were believed to scare away crocodiles and snakes. For a long time nobody knew the exact number of macaws with glaucous sex that existed. There were reports of a few specimens kept in captivity, but nobody knew where they were from or what age they were. One of the most famous birds was in Paris' Jardin d'Acclimatation between 1886 and 1905. Another was in a zoo near Buenos Aires during the 1920s until 1936. Despite these early reports, it was widely believed that the glaucous Macaw extinction was not confirmed. In 2010, however an analysis of isotopics revealed that the glaucous Macaw still exists in the wild. Leia blue macaw and red macaw of this study were published in Science. The researchers suggest that the glaucous Macaws that are found in the wild could be a result of the Paquime population in northern Chihuahua. The birds' apparent long-lived is due to the fact that they are able to adapt to their surroundings. They can live in dry desert conditions, for example. The Future of the Macaws Parrots are able to adapt to their surroundings in a fascinating way. In the wild, they travel miles from their home to find mates and nesting sites. They also have the ability to mimic human speech. Their feet are shaped so they can be positioned in trees and climb them. They can carry food through their beaks. However, despite these abilities, parrots have not been domesticated in the way dogs and cats have. They are wild animals and they must live in the ways that their ancestors lived. If you are planning to bring one of these birds into your home, it is important to take it with care and sensitivity. Parrots are big and loud and can cause damage to your furniture and home. They are also listed on CITES due to over-collection to trade in pets and habitat loss. One of the best examples of a successful reintroduction program is the storied story of the Spix's Macaw which was thought 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 the only known pair of the birds was in the captive at Al Wabra in Qatar. At a conference in the city of Sao Paulo, Purchase and other conservationists agreed that the best solution was to release captive macaws back into the wild. They needed to do this quickly, however, as the number of breeding pairs was small. Additionally, they needed to establish separate lineages at the various breeding centers so that a single pair of parents did not overwhelm the whole population with its genes. The conservationists began to search Brazil for any Spix's macaws that were in private ownership that could be released to be reintroduced. The owners initially resisted due to fear of prosecution for violating a law that prohibited the export of wildlife. Kiessling claims that “one by one” people began to come forward.