Lear Macau

The Lear Macaw originates from Brazil, being a magnificent type of parrot.  Officially known as the Anodorhynchus leari and called the Indigo Macaw, this bird’s existence is limited to a small area of Bahia.  Although it was believed the Lear Macaw to have faded, it was rediscovered in the latter part of 1970 and today, is rated on the critically endangered list.  The bird is smaller than the Hyacinth Macaw but its blue color with tinged green is so magnificent, it stands out above other species of Macaws. 

The primary diet of the Lear Macaw is the Licuri palm nuts.  The problem is that these nuts are becoming hard to find as ranching spreads, depleting the natural resource.  Another common problem that puts this bird at risk is the smugglers and poachers trying to capture for bird trade.  Because of the many challenges faced by the Lear Macaw, people are surprised that they exist at all. 

Just five years ago, the population of the Lear Macaw was believed to be fewer than 150.  The good news is that two years ago, we see a slight increase in that number although they are still at great risk.  The name of the bird is derived from Edward Lear, a poet who was also a famous bird illustrator.  In general, the Lear Macaw is large with a tail that is actually longer than the body.  Again, the blue coloring is vibrant and impressive.  The primary difference between this and other Macaw species is that the Lear Macaw has a naked periopthalmic ring, along with the cheeks, ceres, and lores being covered by feathers.  Another characteristic of this bird is that sexual dimorphism is not found. 

For more than 120 years, the Lear Macaw has been one of the most amazing ornithological mysteries.  Again, Edward Lear was the first to see it, painting it as one of his illustrations.  Then in the mid-19^th century, the bird was described by Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew.  As an ornithologist, this nephew immediately recognized the bird from Lear’s illustration. 

What we know is that the Lear Macaw was brought to Europe during trade routes but its origin remains a mystery.  One man in particular began searching for the Lear Macaw, focusing on his efforts intensely in 1950.  He found one bird being kept on a Brazilian farm and after questioning, discovered it had been brought from Bahia.  While this information remains unconfirmed, from what everything shows, Bahia is the place from which the Lear Macaw comes. 

Today, the Lear Macaw population is still believed to be near 60.  You would find this parrot living in sandstone cliffs where it stays safe from nighttime predators.  The Macaw will fly from the nest early in the morning, not returning until around dusk.  The loud call can be heard echoing throughout the cliffs.  The diet of the Lear Macaw is again the Licuri palm nut.  The estimate by the experts is that for just one Macaw to be fed, it takes up to 450 fruit-bearing trees.  While the Lear Macaw feeds on other fruits, the Licuri palm nut is the most important.