First, it must be clear that the blue macaws are not from a particular bird type. Contrary to popular belief, the phrase refers to four distinct species. The Psittacidae family is home to the species, and they are all distinguished by having blue plumage.
There are more than 160 species of macaws and parakeets in the Psittacidae family. It is one of the three parrot families. Anodorhynchus and Cyanopsitta are two separate genera that contain four different species of blue macaws.
Apart from their unusual blue plumage, the four species share several traits despite being members of different genera. In terms of size, behavior, and appearance, males and females closely resemble one another.
Additionally, each has a sturdy beak for crushing the seeds they eat. They all have prehensile legs, which let them grip objects like fruits, branches, and other items.
Members of the Psittacidae family are found in Africa and South America, but only Brazil is home to the blue species.
Learn everything you need to know about the magical blue macaws here.
Has the Blue Macaw Vanished or Not?
In 2018, the Spix’s macaw (blue macaw), which served as the model for Rio was declared extinct. However, some contentious attempts have been made to restore the bird in several regions.
The bird population has grown more than expected despite all the difficulties. The Spix’s Macaw still has a chance of surviving because of the efforts of several groups throughout the world.
Let’s go through the stages of reintroducing the Blue Macaw:
The First Stage
Ensuring a sizable, healthy population with genetic variation. It is challenging to do this assignment, especially when only a few specimens are left.
The Second Stage
Locating a good place for the birds to live. The location needed to provide ideal circumstances for birds and be free from anthropogenic interference.
The Last Stage
Sensitizing the local populace to this issue was the final phase. It is the only practical means of ensuring that people and Spix’s Macaws live harmoniously.
Various educational activities have been functioning near the site of the intended reintroduction. Its goal is to increase locals’ awareness of the value of this bluebird to their community and the ecosystem.
Before being deemed non-threatened, the research departments must investigate the blue macaw’s prospects. In the meantime, this condition is still highly alarming.
Why are the Blue Macaws in Grave Danger?
The four blue macaw species are in peril; however, this disaster impacts all members of the Psittacidae family. That is severely suffers significant threats except for around 25%.
The following are a few major causes that contribute to their extinction:
- Pollution
- Deforestation
- Changing weather
- Rapid urban expansion
- Insufficient avian food sources
- A low rate of rebirth for the species
- Making ornaments out of their feathers
- Illegal trade of macaws to sell them as pets
- Invasion of the environment by other animal species
The tough situation blue macaws are dealing with really makes us think. About how our actions as humans can seriously affect the delicate balance of life.
It’s crucial for us to look at what’s causing these amazing birds to struggle and work together.
By considering conservation, the environmental impact, and protecting biodiversity, we can make sure that our future generation gets to enjoy the breathtaking sight of blue macaws.
Efforts by Brazil to Save the Blue Macaws
The Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots announced in 2020 that it would fund the reintroduction of 52 Spix’s macaws into the wild.
According to the charity, the birds will be free in 2021. In order to acclimate to their new surroundings.
Unfortunately, the publication was marred by controversy. The group’s founder, Martin Guth, is under fire for maintaining a private collection of species.
Blue Macaw – From Minnesota to Rio de Janeiro
In the animated film “Rio,” Blu, a Spix’s Macaw, travels from Minnesota to Rio de Janeiro since he is the only remaining male of his species. And Jewel, the last living female, dwells there.
Blu and Jewel fall in love and have a child, and the film ends pleasantly with the hope that the lovebirds will save their species. Blu, however, would have been too late in the real world.
New research conducted by BirdLife International (a global alliance of conservation groups dedicated to protecting bird species worldwide) finds that numerous bird species have lost their life in recent years. Unfortunately, one of the species is the lovely Spix’s Macaw.
While the great majority of recent bird extinctions have happened on isolated islands, five of the eight identified by this study occurred in South America, with four occurring in Brazil alone, a terrible comment on the impact of deforestation in that region.
Another species of Macaw, the Scarlet Macaw exists in the Amazon Forest and is one of the common species.
Although some birds remain in breeding programs; like Scarlet Macaw, the species is currently extinct in the wild.
Last Words
Blue Macaw is, no doubt, a magical creature – widely known across the globe. Sadly, their extinction is extremely painful for all macaw or parrot lovers.
However, efforts are ongoing to save the species and, hopefully, will be successful in the future.
But the good news is that many different species of macaws worldwide. So explore them and learn more about the incredible macaws!