Birdsong field guide
Glaucous Macaw
Anodorhynchus glaucus
The Glaucous Macaw is a large, turquoise-blue parrot from South America, now generally considered extinct due to habitat loss and the destruction of palm groves. It was a specialist feeder, relying heavily on the nuts of the yatay palm.
What it sounds like
Described as a loud, resonant, and raucous screech, characteristic of the large blue macaw lineage.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It is one of the three species in the genus Anodorhynchus, categorized by their entirely blue plumage and yellow facial skin.
- The species was last reliably recorded in the wild during the 1960s and is currently classified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).
- It possessed a massive, powerful bill and distinct bare yellow skin patches at the base of the lower mandible and around the eyes.
- The primary cause of its decline was the large-scale clearing of yatay palm forests for cattle ranching and agriculture.
- Historically, it was known to nest in sandstone cliffs or hollow trees, particularly along the banks of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers.
Habitat
Subtropical savannas and palm groves, particularly those dominated by Butia yatay palms along major river systems.
Range
Southeastern South America, including northern Argentina, southern Brazil, northeastern Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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