Glaucous Macaw
CR

Glaucous Macaw

Anodorhynchus glaucus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucous_macaw

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Glaucous Macaw faces extinction primarily due to extensive habitat destruction of the palm groves along major South American rivers, particularly the loss of yatay palms (Butia yatay) which provided essential nesting sites and food sources. Historical capture for the pet trade severely depleted remaining populations, while cattle ranching and agricultural conversion eliminated critical riparian forest habitats. The species has not been reliably documented in the wild since the 1960s, with habitat degradation continuing throughout its former range in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Glaucous Macaw inhabited palm groves and gallery forests along major river systems, particularly areas dominated by yatay palms (Butia yatay) in the Rio de la Plata basin. These riparian habitats provided both nesting cavities in palm trunks and the palm fruits that formed the species' primary food source.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Glaucous Macaw classified as Critically Endangered?
Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Glaucous Macaw faces extinction primarily due to extensive habitat destruction of the palm groves along major South American rivers, particularly the loss of yatay palms (Butia yatay) which provided essential nesting sites and food sources. Historical capture for the pet trade severely depleted remaining populations, while cattle ranching and agricultural conversion eliminated critical riparian forest habitats. The species has not been reliably documented in the wild since the 1960s, with habitat degradation continuing throughout its former range in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Where does Glaucous Macaw live?
Glaucous Macaw occurs in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Glaucous Macaw?
The main threats to Glaucous Macaw are 2.1, 2.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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