Glaucous Macaw Anodorhynchus glaucus Scientific name definitions

Although feared by many to be extinct (there have been no definite reports since the early 20th century), BirdLife International assesses this macaw as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), based on a quantitative analysis of the probability of extinction, taking into account regular reports by local people that the bird remains extant as well as the fact that not all of its former range has been subjected to adequate surveys. Almost everything known about the species' (former) distribution, habitat, behavior and basic biology is derived from historical accounts. One of a quartet of blue macaws, all of which have declined dramatically as a result of illegal trapping and habitat destruction, Glaucous Macaw is pale turquoise blue with a large grayish head, a proportionately long tail and a massive bill, with yellow patches around the eyes and bill base. It was widespread but perhaps very locally distributed along the middle reaches of major rivers in northern Argentina, northeast Uruguay and southern Brazil, but only a few 20th century reports exist. Some recent commentators have suggested that the allopatric Indigo Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari) and the present species should be considered conspecifics.